Published 17:06 IST, November 7th 2019
Sidhu's ultimatum letter to MEA: Respond or I'll go to Pak as pilgrim
Punjab MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu written to the EAM Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday stating if not answered to, he will go to Pakistan as a 'devotee' for opening event
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Reminding the Ministry of External affairs of his impending permission to visit Kartarpur on November 9, Punjab MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu written to the EAM Dr. S Jaishankar on Thursday stating if not answered to, he will go to Pakistan as a 'devotee'. He claimed that the delay in response was hindering his future course of action. He added that if the government had any inhibitions he will not go to the opening ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor.
Sidhu reminds EAM of Kartarpur nod, writes third time
"The delay and no response is a hindrance to my future course of action," he wrote. Continuing, he added, "If the govt has any inhibitions and say no, then I, as a law-abiding citizen will not go. But if you don't respond to my third letter, then I will proceed to Pakistan as millions of Sikh devotees go on eligible Visa." Meanwhile, the MEA spokesperson stated that ' The inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor is a historic event. It is not important to highlight any one individual', when asked about Sidhu at the weekly briefing.
Here is his third letter:
Sidhu writes to EAM
Earlier on Wednesday, after being extended an official invitation from the Pakistan government to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, Sidhu had yet again written to the External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar requesting permission to attend the inaugural ceremony. Stating that the program is 'crystal clear' he has asked permission to cross over the border at 9:30 AM on 9 November, prior to the ceremony. He stated that he wished to meditate at the Gurudwara prior to the ceremony.
He added that if that was not possible, he would want to travel to Pakistan through the Wagah border on 8 November and stay overnight at Gurudwara Darbar Sahib. He also informed the Ministry that he currently did not hold a visa for Pakistan. The Punjab MLA had earlier written to the EAM seeking permission for the same. He had earlier informally accepted the invite for the ceremony, last week.
Kartapur Corridor agreement signed
Meanwhile, on October 24, India and Pakistan signed a landmark agreement to operationalise the historic Kartarpur Corridor to allow Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit the holy Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. The corridor will be opened by Pakistan on November 9. Both the countries have also decided that the corridor will be operational throughout the year and seven days a week and that pilgrims will have a choice to visit it as individuals or in groups. Pakistan has finally waived the $ 20 service fee per pilgrim on Friday, after facing severe criticism for not doing so. But, Pakistan is yet to approve the complete list of the pilgrims to visit Kartarpur on November 9.
16:57 IST, November 7th 2019