APD | India seeks visa-free access for pilgrims

By APD writer Rishika Chauhan

NEW DELHI, Mar.15 (APD) -- In talks with Pakistan’s representatives, India is seeking visa-free entry for 5000 pilgrims per day to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, the resting place of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

The first round of talks on the Kartarpur corridor that would connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan was held on Thursday between the representatives of the two countries.

The talks were held in Attari, in Amritsar and the joint statement released thereafter mentioned that the discussions took place in a “cordial environment.”

The corridor is expected to be opened by November, close to the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. This year is particularly auspicious as it would be the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

The next meeting on the corridor is scheduled for April 2, and will be held at Wagah on the side of Pakistan. A meeting of technical experts will follow on March 19 to finalise the alignment of the Kartarpur corridor.

The meeting was the first official meeting between Indian and Pakistani representatives since the recent tensions which were sparked after February 14 Pulwama attack. 

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)