Terror camps exist in district housing Kartarpur Gurudwara: Report
What's the story
As Sikhs in India are looking forward to the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, which will give them easy access to the holy shrine located in Pakistan, intel suggests some terror camps are operating from the same district. Terror camps are up and running in Muridke, Shakargarh, and Narowal areas in Pakistan's Punjab, a TOI report claimed today. Here are more details.
Concerns
Agencies are concerned "anti-India" activities might gain momentum
These details were discussed at a meeting of top agencies, convened to discuss border administration in Punjab. The agencies are concerned that some "hostile elements" might indulge in anti-India activities, especially in the run-up for the inauguration. That Pakistan's mobile network will operate for 3-4 kilometers into Indian territory is also giving a headache to officials. They opine drug peddlers could use these SIMs.
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One agency demanded ban on using Pakistani SIMs
Apparently, one of the central agencies has urged Punjab administration to put a blanket ban on the sale and use of Pakistani SIMs. A similar rule was implemented by authorities in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar.
Details
Agencies also think Pakistan wants to fan Khalistani sentiments
As it turns out, intelligence agencies were also skeptical after Pakistan showed extreme eagerness to inaugurate the Corridor. They concluded that the neighboring country wants to exploit Khalistani sentiments using this channel. In fact, the "Sikhs for Justice" group has become another concern for agencies. Of late, this group has been using social media and foreign outreach to further its propaganda.
Inauguration
Despite sour relations, India-Pakistan managed to green-lit Kartarpur Corridor
The Corridor, which connects Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Punjab with Kartarpur in Pakistan, will be inaugurated on November 9. Notably, India and Pakistan didn't let bitter ties dampen the Kartarpur Corridor agreement. However, New Delhi did ask Pakistan to do away with the $20 fee which is imposed on pilgrims. Pakistan has allowed 5,000 Indian pilgrims to the Gurudwara daily.
Pictures
Yesterday, Imran Khan shared pictures of the shrine
On Sunday, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted images from the shrine and wrote: I want to congratulate our govt for readying Kartarpur, in record time, for Guru Nanak jee's 550th birthday celebrations. Earlier, Khan said the fee to visit the Gurudwara has been waived off for inauguration day. Pakistan also said passport isn't required and Sikh pilgrims can visit Kartarpur carrying a valid ID.
Twitter Post
Ready to welcome Sikh pilgrims: Khan
Kartarpur ready to welcome Sikh pilgrims. pic.twitter.com/P0uEQgWyMs
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 3, 2019