India dropped bomb at Kartarpur Sahib: Pakistan tries instigating violence
The Kartarpur Corridor was supposed to give Indian Sikhs easy access to the Gurudwara, situated in Pakistan. But the country is using it to further its propaganda and fan separatist sentiments. In a recent development, Pakistan "put up" a bomb at the Gurudwara, claiming it was dropped by Indian forces in 1971. Separately, Islamabad announced all pilgrims will have to pay a $20 fee.
The 4-km-long corridor is being inaugurated before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. India and Pakistan managed to put their bitterness aside and agree on this aspect, sending a wave of happiness across Sikhs. But of late, Pakistan's actions have infuriated Indians. To recall, in its official video of Kartarpur, Islamabad gave space to a poster of three slain Khalistani leaders.
Not stopping after the Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale episode, Pakistan thought it was more than fine to use the Gurudwara for its nefarious anti-India schemes. Along with the "bomb", Pakistan put up a hoarding which spoke about the miracle of Wahe Guru Ji. According to Pakistan, the Indian Air Force dropped the explosive during the 1971 war, but the "evil design" didn't take off.
"The said bomb landed into Sri Khoo Sahib (Sacred Well) and this Darbar Sahib remained unheart (sic). It is pertinent to mention that this is the same sacred well from where Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to get water to irrigate his fields," the board's text read.
The hoarding was spotted by an Indian team which visited the Gurudwara, recently. Notably, New Delhi is yet to respond to it. However, India did take a strong offense after Bhindranwale and his aides, namely Major General Shabeg Singh, and Amrik Singh Khalsa found space in the official clip. India said the video only shows "nefarious designs by the establishment on the other side".
On a related note, Pakistan has also undone the announcement made by its premier Imran Khan about fee-waiver. Khan had said his nation will not charge money on the inauguration day and November 12, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. But after the "main brass" Army intervened, Pakistan clarified everyone will have to pay money. The decision has been conveyed to India.
Apart from fee, Pakistani Army also reversed Khan's decision of doing away with passports for Indian Sikhs. Earlier this week, Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Asif Ghafoor, said, "As we have a security link, the entry would be a legal one under a permit on a passport-based identity." As the Corridor is opening tomorrow, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Pakistan is creating confusion.
"As of now, we are aware that there is a bilateral document which has been signed between India and Pakistan which very clearly specifies documents which are required to undertake the visit. Any amendment to the existing MoU, it can't be done unilaterally," Kumar said.
