Time for new chapter with Pak: PM

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, November 23

Paying tribute to Guru Nanak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the proposed Kartarpur corridor could serve as a bridge for people-to-people contact. Addressing a function at the residence of Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur here, he said the tragic incidents of 1947 should be left behind and a new chapter of ties opened between the two countries. 

He did not elaborate, except for pointing out that the Berlin Wall too had been pulled down, reuniting the people of East and West Germany. “This was unthinkable at one point of time,” he observed. 

The PM said India believed in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and bore ill-will towards none. He offered “ardas” and listened to Gurbani during his visit that lasted 30 minutes. He was felicitated with a siropa and a turban by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Manjit Singh (GK).

The PM attributed the good works by his government to blessing of the Gurus and saints. “The sacrifices of the Gurus have built and protected the country. Their message encapsulate the culture of India: love for everyone and equality of all without discrimination of caste and class,” he noted.

Sukhbir lauded the government for its decision to build and develop the Kartarpur corridor as well as Sultanpur Lodhi. Manjit Singh said Vice-President of India Venkaiah Naidu would lay the foundation stone of the corridor.

Among others present were Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and former PM Manmohan Singh.