Login With Google
Kartarpur Sahib Corridor
Why is it in news?
- Pakistan agreed to give year-long visa-free access for Indian pilgrims to the holy Gurdwara of Kartarpur Sahib.
More in news
- 2nd formal meeting: The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that the agreement was reached at the second formal meeting held at Wagah, at which India took up the presence of Khalistan supporters in Pakistani territory.
- Details of the agreement:(1) It was agreed to allow visa-free travel for the Indian passport-holders and OCI card-holders seven days a week.(2) Throughout the year, 5,000 pilgrims will be allowed to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara per day.(3) The pilgrims will be allowed to travel as individuals or in groups and also on foot.
- Permit system: India proposed that the holy shrine be open to Indian citizens of all faiths. However, Pakistan reiterated that there will be provision for a permit system for the pilgrims travelling through the religious corridor.
- Special occasions: India urged that at least 5,000 pilgrims be allowed to visit the Gurdwara and insisted that 10,000 more be allowed to visit on special occasions and festivals.
- Preventing misuse: India also asked Pakistan to prevent Khalistan supporters from misusing this historic initiative.
- Preparatory work:(1) Preparatory work under way on both sides of the border for the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.(2) India claimed that significant progress had been made in building the infrastructure needed to handle the pilgrims from India and
- Plea for ‘Nagar Kirtan’: India also urged Pakistan to allow ‘Nagar Kirtan’ from Delhi to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan in July and during October-November 2019 as part of the celebrations to mark the birth of the first Sikh Guru.
Source
The Hindu