PM Modi to inaugurate the ICP at Kartarpur Corridor on November 9

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Integrated Check Post of the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur in Punjab on November 9, said an official press release. The press release also states that Prime Minister shall pay obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurudwara at Sultanpur Lodhi prior to the inauguration and will later participate in a public programme at Dera Baba Nanak.

ICP check post would facilitate Indian pilgrims to visit Kartarpur 

The inauguration of the ICP check post would facilitate, Indian Pilgrims to visit Gurudwara Kartapur Sahib in Pakistan. India has signed the agreement with Pakistan on the 24th of October 2019 on the modalities for operationalisation of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor at Zero Point, International Boundary, Dera Baba Nanak. Earlier, the Union Cabinet passed a resolution on 22 November 2018 to celebrate the historic occasion of 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji in a grand and befitting manner, throughout the country and across the globe. The Union Cabinet also approved the building and development of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to the International Boundary. The approval will make it easier for Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur the entire year. 

Pak's new low before Kartarpur inauguration

Ahead of the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, Pakistan has decided to charge $20 from every pilgrim even on inauguration day, as per sources. This comes after Pakistan levied a $20 fee imposed on pilgrims from India. However, after India's objection, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan decided to not charge the fee on the inauguration day as well as on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Now, sources have said that Pakistan has gone back on its word. 

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Pakistan's ploy condemned

On Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar reacted to Pakistan’s official video featuring pro-Khalistan separatist Bhindranwale and condemned Pakistan’s attempt in this regard. He contended that this violated the spirit under which the pilgrimage was going to be undertaken, moreover, stated that New Delhi had approached the opening of the Kartarpur corridor with an open mind as this involved the sentiments of the Sikh community.  Kumar called upon Pakistan to stick to the spirit of the agreement. Furthermore, he demanded the removal of the objectionable video and other printed material, which was promoting anti-India propaganda.

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