Indian Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh thanked Prime Minister Imran Khan for two concessions extended to Kartarpur pilgrims, but asked that Islamabad offer the relaxation to all India citizens and not just Sikhs.
The Kartarpur Corridor will connect the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab with Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, just about four kilometres from the International Border, located in Narowal district. It is the place where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev Ji is believed to have spent the last 18 years of his life.
India has objected to a $20 service charge Pakistan intends to impose on Sikh pilgrims. Disagreement over the issue even led to a delay in launching online registration for pilgrims intending to visit the shrine.
In a tweet, the Indian Punjab chief minister said, “Happy & grateful for waiver of passport & advance registration conditions for Sikh pilgrims by @ImranKhanPTI govt, but would urge Pakistan to apply this not just to Sikhs but all citizens of secular India. Also urge Pak PM to waive off $20 fee on all days instead of just two.”
The first batch of 1,100 Sikhs crossed over from Wagah border to attend celebrations of 550 birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak in Nankana Sahib, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) spokesperson Amir Hashmi said.
He said the visiting Sikhs brought a “Golden Palki” along with them. The ‘Nagar Kirtan’ (procession) was received by Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, ETPB Chairman Aamer Ahmed and Pakistan Gurdwara Sikh Parbhandik Committee President Satwant Singh at the Wagah border.
The ETPB spokesperson said a special exemption of tax had been sought from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the ‘Golden Palki’. Special arrangements have reportedly been made for the pilgrims, including catering, medical camp and transportation.
“Upon their arrival the Sikhs left for Nankana Sahib. During their stay they will visit other gurdwaras as well in Punjab and take part in the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor on November 9,” an ETPB statement said, adding that the ‘Golden Palki’ would be installed at the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.
India and Pakistan last week signed the agreement on the Kartarpur Corridor that will allow Indian pilgrims to undertake visa-free visit to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, the shrine of the Sikh religion’s founder Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Pakistan, notwithstanding a chill in bilateral ties over Kashmir.