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WAGAH, INDIA, September 26, 2004: After more than 1,500 miles, Ludkan Baba, the Hindu ascetic who is rolling across India for peace, was rebuffed at the Pakistani border and suspended his quest. The holy roller decided on Friday to return to his hometown of Ratlam with his 11-member hymn-singing entourage to wait for India’s government to issue passports. Indian border guards turned back the man whom admirers call Ludkan Baba, or the Rolling Saint, because he did not have valid travel documents. “I am sure we will be issued passports,” the man, born Mohan Bas, said Friday. “I am fully confident I would be able to roll into Pakistan and finish this ‘yatra,'” or holy journey. Border Security Force assistant commandant L.R.Yadav said authorities had no choice in barring entry. “He does not have the required travel papers. So, quite naturally, we do not have orders to allow him to cross.” The Hindu religious figure, or sadhu, said he began his career in 1973 when he entered a cave and stayed for 12 years, surviving on grass and water. There, a divine voice told him to start rolling for peace. His first trip was about 25 miles; his third trip in 1994 was 2,500 miles across India. The 55-year-old began the current crusade in January from his home to New Delhi and then on to the border.

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