Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims to ‘burn animosity’ between Pak, India: Navjot Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu, a minister in the Indian Punjab, on Thursday welcomed his government’s decision to accept Pakistan’s proposal to build the Kartarpur corridor for facilitating Sikh pilgrims, saying it will “burn animosity” between the countries.

"I welcome this auspicious step by the Union Cabinet, it will be a cup of joy for 12 crore 'Nanak Naam Laivas'. It will build bridges, burn animosity and will act like a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries," the former cricketer said in a tweet.

The Gurdwara Kartarpur Darbar Sahib in Narowal in Pakistan's Punjab province holds religious significance for the Sikh community. It is where Baba Guru Nanak settled down after his travels as a missionary. He lived there for 18 years until his death in 1539.

India’s Home Minister Rajnath Singh in a tweet earlier today said: “In landmark decision, the Cabinet approves building and development of Kartarpur corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to International Border. Kartarpur corridor project with all modern amenities and facilities to be implemented with Central Government funding."

Sidhu had previously raised the issue with the Minister of External Affairs of India Sushma Swaraj and had said that it was India’s responsibility to make a formal request to Pakistan, NDTV reported.

The former cricketer has often spoken about the need for the two countries to have friendly relations. He visited the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Imran Khan in August. During his visit, he met with army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, which invited vicious criticism and attacks by hardliners in India.