A batch of 38 pilgrims from Pakistan paid obeisance at the famous Badrinath temple in Garhwal region here.
Led by the state Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Kishore Upadhyay, Congressmen welcomed the pilgrims today as they entered Karnaprayag in Chamoli district on their way back from the Himalayan shrine.
Commending former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's initiative of inviting Hindu devotees from Pakistan in 1985-86, Upadhayay said it helps cementing ties between the two countries.
Cabinet Minister Rajendra Bhandari, Parliamentary Secretary Jitram and Deputy Speaker of state Assembly Anusuya Prasad Maikhuri presented mementoes to the devotees from the neighbouring countryon behalf of the state government.
