Published 22:09 IST, November 6th 2019
India concerned about Kartarpur security and underlying designs of Pak
India is concerned that Pakistan backed Sikhs for Justice, Lashkar-e-Toiba and other terror outfits may use the corridor for propagating anti-India activities
Ahead of Kartarpur corridor inauguration on November 9, New Delhi has reiterated its concerns over looming terror threats and possible use of the corridor for anti-India activity. Govt sources say “Our security is very conscious of pitfall, we made sure there is no compromise on the security of corridor.“
India is concerned that Pakistan backed Sikhs for Justice, Lashkar-e-Toiba and other terror outfits may use the corridor for propagating and orchestrating anti-India activities and may run nefarious campaigns like 20 20 referenda. New Delhi is miffed to see the use of Bhinderwala poster in official Kartarpur video produced by the Government of Pakistan and has raised the issue with Pakistan through diplomatic channels.
Government sources here believe that Kartarpur Corridor is promoted by Pakistan Army, it’s construction affiliate frontier works took over the project and has completed the work at zipping speed of less than a year , source explains that underlying motive of Project for Pakistan is to promote Khalistan movement, to have some leverage over Punjab and propagate 20-20 referendum agenda. Govt sources say this fake mask of Pakistan has often slipped when they referred project as a Chess game, Googlie.
However, according to government sources, India believes this initiative is a positive step and it has entered in with open eyes as this decision is driven keeping in mind the sentiments of Sikhs in India despite concerns.
India is well equipped to handle the situation and will be able to fight the big propaganda machine of Pakistan which is trying to create a wedge in Indian society and also between center and state adds government source. Meanwhile, Pakistan has assured the safety and security of Indians in the corridor however government sources say we will wait and watch.
Kartarpur corridor will be opening on November 9, India has given the list of dignitaries who will be crossing over to Kartarpur Jatha which includes former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chief Minister of Punjab Amarinder Singh, Central ministers Hardeep puri, Harsimrat Kaur, Former CM Sukhbir Badal and more than 150 members of parliament and prominent Indians.
No confirmation of the approved list has come from Pakistan, Islamabad has also not allowed Indian advance security and protocol team to visit the site as this is a normal practice and well-known procedure before VVIP visits. Pakistan has also not shared minute details of the programme and is not following the Kartarpur agreement spirit, Pakistan Prime Minister without mutually consulting India tweeted that pilgrims don’t require passport this has created confusion here and clarification is sought which has not come till date.
Updated 22:38 IST, November 6th 2019