Sidhu approaches Swaraj on corridor

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 9

Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has written to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, urging her to “make all possible efforts” on the Kartarpur gurdwara corridor, claiming that Pakistan has shown “positive intent” in providing access to the historic shrine.

In the letter written on Saturday, the cricketer-turned-politician said: “Now an opportunity has knocked on our doors. Pakistan has shown a positive intent towards the long-pending demand of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor.”

He said some positivity came on this issue when he visited Pakistan for the oath-taking ceremony of prime minister Imran Khan.

“Among various historical gurdwaras in Pakistan, Kartarpur Sahib is of great significance. This is the place where Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years of his life. The Gurdwara Sahib is close to the International Border. Such is the sentiment of the pilgrims in India that they visit the border everyday just to have a glimpse of this shrine through binoculars arranged by the BSF in the Dera Baba Nanak region,” wrote the minister.

“Some touch the holy earth and some depart with tearful eyes. The visa wrangles have deprived numerous pilgrims from reaching this historic gurdwara over the years,” he added.

“Appropriate measures on the Kartarpur corridor must be taken as Sikh sentiments are strongly attached with it. Hoping for a positive response from you,” the letter said.