Daily Times

Sir: In India, the Sikh population is above 12 crore which are significant numbers. Sikhs are the followers of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji. At the time of partition Sikhs lost most precious things which are the birth place and resting place of Guru Nanak. Since then the Sikhs are used to visit to Pakistan for these places. Due to Indo Pak poor relations it had become very difficult for pilgrim Sikhs to visit these Holy places.

Kartarpur is situated in District Narowal, very close to the international border between Indian and Pakistan. Kartarpur is also 120 km away from Wahga Border, Lahore. Kartarpur is the place where Baba Guru Nanak lived last 18 years of his life. He also established Langar for poor people of the area. He and some of his friends were used to run langar at times. Like Sikhs, many Muslims also visit to Baba Guru Nanak shrine. Baba Guru Nanak was equally famous in Muslims and Sikhs.

Kartarpura Corridor has become an importance link between both India and Pakistan.

Previously, Kartarpura border was opened in 1999 after the visit of Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Sikh community was waiting for that from a very long time that was a moment of joy for them. They were allowed visa free to visit the Kartarpura. It created lot of friendly atmosphere in both countries. But it was closed later due to tension at the borders. Recently Prime minister of India Modi has also said that it would be great if the Kartarpura border is opened. The opening of Kartarpura border was first offered by General Bajwa to Indian minister of Tourism Navjot Singh Sidhu at Oath taking ceremony of recently elected PM of Pakistan Imran Khan.

Kartarpur border will play significant role in the ease of tension between India and Pakistan. We hope that this initiative will bring Peace between these two countries which is desired by people of both countries from a long time.

TAUSEEF ALI KHAN

Via E-mail

Published in Daily Times, December 15^th 2018.