PM Modi Extends Kartarpur Corridor Agreement
Respect for Sikh Community
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has renewed the agreement between India and Pakistan for the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for another five years. This move has been praised by BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, who highlighted Modi’s respect for the Sikh community and their faith.
Commitment to Sikhs and Punjab
Bhandari emphasized that previous governments failed to open the Kartarpur Corridor, but PM Modi not only opened it but also extended its agreement. He stated that this shows Modi’s commitment to Sikhs and Punjab, especially considering the challenges faced by Sikhs in neighboring countries.
Agreement Details
The original agreement, signed on October 24, 2019, allows Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the extension through diplomatic channels, ensuring uninterrupted access for pilgrims.
Service Charge Concerns
India has requested Pakistan to remove the USD 20 service charge per pilgrim. Earlier, Pakistan issued 509 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for Maharaja Ranjeet Singh’s death anniversary, a significant event for the Sikh community.
Doubts Revealed
Kartarpur Corridor -: The Kartarpur Corridor is a special pathway that allows Indian pilgrims to visit a holy place called Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan without needing a visa. It is important for Sikhs because it is the place where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last years of his life.
Sikhs -: Sikhs are people who follow Sikhism, a religion that started in India. They have their own unique traditions and places of worship called Gurdwaras.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib -: Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is a sacred place for Sikhs located in Kartarpur, Pakistan. It is where Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru, lived and passed away.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is a major political party in India. It is the party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Service charge -: A service charge is a fee that is charged for providing a service. In this case, Pakistan charges USD 20 for each Indian pilgrim visiting the Gurdwara through the Kartarpur Corridor.