Delhi Govt to Give Senior Citizens Free Pilgrimage to Darbar Sahib
The inauguration on Saturday will mark the celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday, 12 November said his government will offer free pilgrimage to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur under its flagship 'Mukhyamantri Tirath Yatra Yojana'.
China on Monday, 11 November welcomed the opening of the landmark Kartarpur corridor and hoped that both India and Pakistan "can continue to show the goodwill" to resolve their differences through dialogue.
On 9 November, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan received a delegation of 500 Indian pilgrims, including former PM Manmohan Singh and Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh, as this first batch entered Pakistan through the historic Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
- PM Modi thanked Pakistan PM Imran Khan for understanding India’s sentiment on the corridor
- The corridor links Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur in India to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan
- Former PM Manmohan Singh described the inauguration as a “momentous occasion”
- The requirement of passport and the $20 service fee have been waived for Gurpurab (12 November) by Pakistan
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Sidhu Writes Second Letter to MEA to Attend Kartarpur Ceremony
Former Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Wednesday sought permission from the External Affairs Ministry for the second time to attend the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan on 9 November.
In a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Sidhu said he had been invited by the Pakistan government for the opening ceremony of the corridor, which will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district in Punjab.
Sikh Pilgrims Will Not Be Allowed to Indulge in Political Activities: Pakistan
Pakistan on Wednesday said that Sikh pilgrims will not be allowed to indulge in any "political activities" at gurdwaras during their visit to the country to attend the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev and the Kartarpur corridor opening.
"No political activity is allowed at the religious place (gurdwara). It is strictly banned and the action will be taken if any one (Sikh) is involved in political activities during his visit here to take part in religious festivities," Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) chairman Dr Amir Ahmed told PTI.
Indian Sikh Pilgrims Will Require Passport to Visit Kartarpur: Pakistan
Indian Sikh pilgrims visiting the Kartarpur Sahib will need a passport to use the Kartarpur Corridor, which will be inaugurated this week, the Pakistan Army has said, according to a media report on Thursday, 7 November, days after Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that Indian devotees would only need a valid ID to visit the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.
The comments by Pakistan Army spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor came a day after India asked Pakistan to clarify whether passport will be required by the Sikh pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara in Kartarpur.
Modi to Inaugurate PTB at Dera Baba Nanak
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab on Saturday, 9 November, formally opening the Kartarpur Corridor connecting two historical gurdwaras on either side of the India-Pakistan border.
30-Acre Tent City Flooded a Day Before Inauguration
A day ahead of Kartarpur corridor inauguration, the base camp set up for pilgrims in Punjab's border town of Dera Baba Nanak was found partly submerged with water from sudden rain on Thursday, 8 November.
The Tented City project in Gurdaspur district, developed at a cost of Rs 4.2 crore, has been left damaged, with hoardings announcing the 'Dera Baba Nanak Utsav' lying scattered around the 30-acre complex.
Dera Baba Nanak is expected to receive around 30,000 pilgrims daily for four days between Friday, 8 November and Monday, 11 November.
Sri Sri to Skip Inauguration Due to Prior Engagements
Due to prior commitments, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will not be attending the Kartarpur Corridor opening. He was invited by the Pakistan government on Thursday, 7 November.
Kartarpur Corridor: Pak Takes U-Turn, to Charge Pilgrims $20
According to sources, Pakistan will charge $20 as facilitation fee from every pilgrim using the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday, 9 November, ANI reported.
Earlier, Pakistan had announced that no fee will be charged on the opening day.
Delhi Govt to Offer Free Pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib in Pak
The Delhi Cabinet on Friday, 8 November, took an in-principle decision to offer free pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan's Kartarpur under its flagship 'Mukhyamantri Tirath Yatra Yojana,’ PTI reported.
The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The government will bear all expenses of pilgrimage to Kartarpur, Kejriwal said.
Under its fully-funded scheme launched in July, the AAP government is currently sending senior citizens on pilgrimage to 12 destinations.
Kartarpur Corridor: Pak Waives $20 Charge on 9 and 12 Nov
The Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan Mohammad Faisal on Friday, 8 November, took to Twitter and said that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that facilitation fee of $20 will not be charged from pilgrims on 9 November and 12 November.
“Abiding by the PM’s commitment, Pakistan will not receive any service charge from pilgrims on these two dates (sic)” he tweeted.
Earlier, Pakistan had conveyed to India that it will charge the $20 facilitation fee from each pilgrim using the Kartarpur corridor to visit the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib on Saturday, sources said.
'Corridor of Love': Pak Foreign Min Qureshi on Kartarpur Corridor
On Friday, 8 November, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called Kartarpur Corridor as “the corridor of love.” He further said that Saturday’s event is a “historic” one, PTI reported.
On allegations that Kartarpur corridor could be used to promote separatism in Punjab, he said, “There is no sinister design. We do not want dialogue with India for the sake of it.”
Kartarpur Sahib May Come Under Delhi's 'Tirth Yatra' Pilgrimage Scheme
A day before the inauguration of the corridor to Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan, the Delhi government on Friday decided to include the holy site in its ‘tirth yatra’ scheme, under which it sponsors pilgrimages of senior citizens to 12 destinations across the country, The Indian Express reported.
The Cabinet gave in-principle nod to the proposal to extend the existing route to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a press conference. Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot added that it will require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
PM Modi Arrives at Sultanpur Lodhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Sultanpur Lodhi to pay obeisance at the Ber Sahib Gurudwara and was received by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.
PM Modi Pays Obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurudwara
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays obeisance at the Ber Sahib Gurudwara, in Sultanpur Lodhi.
First Group of Sikh Pilgrims Arrive at Darbar Sahib After Immigration
The first group of Sikh pilgrims have arrived at Gurudwara Darbar Sahib after completing immigration procedures, Pakistan state media reported.
PM Modi Arrives at Dera Baba Nanak
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Dera Baba Nanak; meets former chief minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal.
PM Modi was seen sporting a saffron turban. He will soon inaugurate the corridor from the Indian side, flagging-off the 500-member delegation.
PM Modi Addresses Inauguration Ceremony, Congratulates Sikh Community
While addressing the ceremony at the Dera Baba Nanak Gurudwara in Gurdaspur, PM Modi said that the integrated Kartarpur Sahib Corridor's inauguration is a moment of celebration for all, especially those from the Sikh community. “After this corridor, Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur is easily accessible. I also want to thank Pakistan Prime Minister for his part in allowing this corridor to function,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi Eats at a 'Langar' at Dera Baba Nanak Gurudwara
PM Narendra Modi, along with Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh and other leaders, ate at a 'langar' in Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur.
PM Modi Inaugurates Kartarpur Corridor; First Batch of Sikh Pilgrims Leave for Pakistan
Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi has inaugurated the integrated check post of the Kartarpur Corridor at the Dera Baba Nanak Gurudwara in Gurdaspur.
The first batch of Sikh pilgrims left for the Baba Darbar Sahib shrine in Pakistan.
Imran Khan Receives Indian Pilgrims
The first batch of the Indian pilgrims crossed over into Pakistan on Saturday through the historic Kartarpur corridor, which was opened ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev.
The corridor links Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi flagged-off the first batch of over 500 pilgrims, saying it will be easy to pay obeisance at the Darbar Sahib gurudwara now that the corridor had been opened.
Want to Thank PM Modi, Send Munnabhai-Style Hug: Navjot Singh
Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, who was invited by Pakistan to the Kartarpur corridor opening, thanked PM modi for the initiative, despite the political difference between the two politicians.
"Doesn't matter if my life is dedicated to Gandhi family, I am sending a Munnabhai MBBS style hug to you Modi sahab for this," he said.
Pak PM Imran Khan Formally Inaugurates Kartarpur Corridor
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday formally inaugurated the historic Kartarpur corridor ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev.
Khan inaugurated the corridor by removing a curtain that was lifted by hot air balloons. A huge 'kirpan' (dagger) was displayed at the inauguration site.
"I was not aware of the importance of the Kartarpur till a year ago," Khan told a gathering of over 12,000 devotees, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh and cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Guru Nanak Dev spent last 18 years of his life at Kartarpur Sahib.
Khan welcomed the first batch of the Indian Sikh pilgrims who entered Pakistan through the corridor which links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur.
Hope This Becomes Corridor of Peace Between the Two Countries: Punjab CM
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, after his visit to Kartarpur Corridor, said that it was a really good experience. Singh further expressed hope towards this corridor of peace between the two countries.
Good Beginning for Improved Relations: Former PM Manmohan Singh
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, after visiting the Kartarpur corridor, said that the corridor is a good beginning for improved India-Pakistan relations.
Kartarpur is a Step Towards Promoting Greater Religious Freedom: US
Welcoming the opening of a new border crossing between India and Pakistan, US Department of State called it a step towards promoting greater religious freedom.
“It is a step towards promoting greater religious freedom. Best wishes to the pilgrims making the crossing for the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak’s birth,” the statement read.
Opening of Kartarpur Corridor a Momentous Event: RSS
The RSS described the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor as a momentous event that will be etched in golden letters in the annals of history.
In a statement, RSS general secretary Bhayyaji Joshi said, “The inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor this day, linking Dera Baba Nanak Sahib with Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, the sacred shrine where Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent the last 18 years of his life...is a momentous event that will be etched in golden letters in the annals of history.”
“The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh congratulates all those who have made most valuable contributions to turn this long-standing dream...into a reality. Along with joining the celebrations, RSS sends its greetings to all on this auspicious and memorable occasion,” he said.
Kashmir Issue Has Gone Beyond Territorial Dispute: Imran Khan
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan also brought up the Kashmir issue at the inauguration of the historic Kartarpur corridor, saying it has gone beyond a territorial dispute and any improvement in ties between India and Pakistan depends on delivering justice to people of the Valley.
Urging India to lift all restrictions from Kashmir, Khan said leaders of both the countries can usher in peace and development in the region by resolving the over seven-decades old dispute through talks.
"If Modi is listening, (I would like to convey) that justice brings peace and injustice spreads confusion. We want to free ourselves from this problem (Kashmir issue)," he said.
'Hamaara Sidhu': Pak PM Makes a Reference to Navjot Sidhu at Kartarpur Corridor Opening
In a video, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan can be heard referring to Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu as "hamaara Sidhu" when he wanted to his arrival details at the Kartarpur corridor opening ceremony that took place on Saturday, 9 November, India Today reported.
Khan said, "Achcha hamaara woh Sidhu kidhar hai? Main keh raha hoon hamaara Sidhu." (Translated: Where is our Sidhu? I am saying our Sidhu). The video has been posted by an India Today reporter Geeta Mohan.
Khan welcomed the first batch of the Indian Sikh pilgrims who entered Pakistan through the corridor. The corridor links Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Indian Punjab's Gurdaspur district over a distance of 7 kilometres.
These first pilgrims included former PM Manmohan Singh, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh, Navjot Singh Sidhu, former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal, Punjab MP Sunny Deol, Sukhbir Singh Badal and Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
BJP's Patra Slams Sidhu for Praising Imran Khan
The BJP slammed Congress leader Navjot Sidhu for praising Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Kartarpur corridor inauguration across the international border and allegedly seeking to present Pakistani leadership on a higher pedestal than India’s.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra criticised Sidhu's remarks praising Imran Khan and describing him as the king of hearts.
Sidhu had said, “Sikandar (Alexander) had won the world with fear and you won the heart all over the world.” Patra alleged that by making such remarks, Sidhu sought to show Pakistan and Khan on a higher pedestal than India, reported PTI.
China Hails India-Pakistan Initiative to Open Kartarpur Corridor
China on Monday welcomed the opening of the landmark Kartarpur corridor and hoped that both India and Pakistan "can continue to show the goodwill" to resolve their differences through dialogue.
"We welcome such good interactions between India and Pakistan," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told the media in Beijing.
"Both countries are important in South Asia and peaceful coexistence between the two meets the fundamental interests of both and the common aspiration of the world," he said.
"We hope the two sides can continue to show the goodwill moving in the same direction properly resolving the differences through dialogue and improving their relations and jointly safeguarding regional peace stability," he added.
Kartarpur a Real Tribute to Guru Nanak: Amit Shah on Gurpurab
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Tuesday wished the nation on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. He said that the Kartarpur Corridor is a real tribute to the founder of sikhism.
“On the 550th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, best wishes to him and hearty greetings to the entire countrymen,” Shah said in a tweet.
He further said that the Modi government is devoted to the thoughts and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev. “The historic Kartarpur Corridor is dedicated to a the countrymen by Modi Ji on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak,” he tweeted.
Amarinder Singh Thanks PM Khan, PM Modi for Kartarpur Corridor
Punjab CM Amarinder Singh, speaking at Sultanpur Lodhi on Tuesday thanked PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan for the Kartarpur corridor.
“I thank PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan for helping realise Sikh community’s dream of visiting Kartarpur Gurudwara. I hope this would be followed by more such gurudwaras like Panja Sahib and Nankana Sahib in Pakistan being opened to Indian devotees,” the CM said.
Delhi Govt Will Offer Free Pilgrimage to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said his government will offer free pilgrimage to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur under its flagship 'Mukhyamantri Tirath Yatra Yojana'.
Kejriwal made the announcement while offering respects to Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, at Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib here on his 550th birth anniversary.
"Now, the Kartarpur Corridor has been opened. The Delhi government will make all arrangements ('Mukhyamantri Tirath Yatra Yojana') for senior citizens willing to go on a pilgrimage to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan," he said.