The second round of talks between India and Pakistan on the modalities for operationalisation of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor was held at Wagah, in Pakistan today.
An official release said the Indian delegation was led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, and comprised representatives from the Ministries of Home Affairs, External Affairs and Defence, Punjab government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
They conveyed concerns regarding the possible flooding of the Dera Baba Nanak and adjoining areas on the Indian side as a result of earth filled embankment road or a causeway that is proposed to be built by Pakistan.
Details of the bridge that India is building on its side were shared, and Pakistan side was urged to also build a bridge on their side. The Pakistan side agreed, in principle, to build a bridge at the earliest.
New Delhi also urged Islamabad to take into consideration the sentiments of the pilgrims to have smooth, easy, unrestricted access throughout the year to be able to visit the holy site.
It requested that five thousand pilgrims be allowed to visit Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib using the corridor everyday given the expected high demand on our side and ten thousand additional pilgrims be allowed to visit on special occasions.
The Indian delegation also requested that the movement should be visa free and Pakistan should reconsider charging any fee or introducing any permit system.
The importance for ensuring safe and secure environment for the pilgrims was underscored. In this context, concerns regarding individuals or organisations based in Pakistan who may try to disrupt the pilgrimage and misuse the opportunity to play with the sentiments of the pilgrims were shared. (AIR NEWS)