Uncertainty over Kartarpur piligrimage

New Delhi: Confusion and lack of coordination between India and Pakistan is evident five days before the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, with sources in the Indian government claiming Pakistan hasn’t let any Indian advance team visit Kartarpur Sahib to confirm the arrangements made.

Islamabad also hasn’t sent any confirmation on the list of dignitaries sent by New Delhi, they said.

“India has all along remained strongly committed to expeditiously realise the Kartarpur Corridor on time, keeping in mind the sentiments of pilgrims. The infrastructure work on our side has been completed on time.

We even agreed to go ahead with the MoU despite Pakistan’s insistence on levying a $20 service fee on pilgrims,” the sources said.

They added that despite India’s commitment and efforts, “Pakistan refuses to extend full cooperation, which is against the spirit of the pilgrimage.”

India is also upset as Pakistan has not yet responded to the list of prominent Sikh leaders and other dignitaries who will be part of the inaugural jatha to Kartarpur Sahib on November 9.

Sources said the list was sent much in advance to Pakistan, but no confirmation has been received on that front.

Former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister, Amarinder Singh, and union ministers, Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri are among the dignitaries who will be travelling through the Kartarpur Corridor on the day of inauguration.

It has been made clear that Dr Manmohan Singh and others accompanying him will travel as pilgrims and not as invitees for the inauguration planned by the Pakistan government.