Pak fuelling terror, can’t think of going there: Capt

Ravi Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Gurdaspur, November 26

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today clarified that no visa would be required for pilgrims taking the corridor route from Dera Baba Nanak to Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.

“Some mischievous people have taken to social media to spread rumours that visa will be required. Let me clarify that it will be a visa-free corridor,” said Capt Amarinder in his speech during the stone-laying function.

He lashed out at Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa saying, “We know who is igniting the flames of separatism.” He asked Bajwa to stop interfering in the affairs of India. “I want to tell him that Punjabis know well how to respond. I am not going to Pakistan as it is regularly fuelling terror attacks. As a former Armyman, I cannot even think of going there. Such activities should immediately stop if both the countries want to maintain cordial relations,” the CM said.

“The Centre, before deciding to send union ministers to Pakistan, should have seen what is happening in India because of Pakistan’s interference,” he said.

Capt Amarinder urged Gadkari to ensure that the corridor was built before next Gurpurb. “I will accompany the first jatha that passes through the corridor,” he said.

Fulfilled long-pending demand of sikhs: Naidu

• Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday laid the foundation stone of the Dera Baba Nanak-Kartarpur Sahib corridor, calling it “the first step that will help both India and Pakistan maintain cordial relations”. He, however, gave no time frame for its construction.
• He said: “The corridor will usher in prosperity and peace. It was a long standing demand of the Sikh community and today, the Indian government has fulfilled it. My Sikh brethren must be extremely happy,” he said.
• Naidu started his speech in Punjabi, but moved to English after speaking a few sentences. His speech was translated in Punjabi for the benefit of the predominantly rural audience.
• The Vice-President also announced the setting up of Guru Nanak Dev chairs in the US and the UK. 
• “Peace and progress can be achieved only if there is religious harmony all around. Initiatives like the corridor and some others we are planning will ensure peace,” he added.