Sikh pilgrims reach Gurudwara Nankana Sahib | Fusion - WeRIndia

As the Kartarpur corridor is going open this week, more than 2,000 Sikh pilgrims reached Gurudwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan to mark the 50th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

They travelled via Wagah border. Senior officials of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) received them. These pilgrims would visit the opening ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor on November 9 and also join the celebrations associated with the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 12.

They would leave for India on November 14. The Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) opened a motel with 19 rooms with all the necessary facilities for the pilgrims.

The pilgrims expressed their happiness to be there to mark the birth anniversary of the Sikh founder.

India shared the list of 575 pilgrims who visit the opening ceremony. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was also included in the list as a common man. Punjab CM, several MLAs and MPs from Punjab, Union Ministers Hardeep Puri and Harsimrat Kaur Badal are some VIPs in the list.

Meanwhile, the Indian government on Tuesday said that no confirmation has been received from the Pakistani side on the list.

India also alleged that Pakistan is not updating even critical information like security arrangements and medical facilities at the venue. And it has taken all decisions unilaterally without discussing with India.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan on November 1 tweeted that his government has waived off the two requirements to visit the Guru Nanak Dev. These are the requirement of passport and prior registration of 10 days in advance.

He said that a valid ID proof is enough to visit the place. He added that no fee would be charged for the pilgrims who visit on the inauguration day and the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Sahib.

However, the Indian government says the Pakistan government did not amend the MoU regarding these requirements. As per the MoU, these are essential.

Image credit: Gurdwara Nankana Sahib image by Guilhem Vellut is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Image Reference: https://www.flickr.com/photos/22539273@N00/15481611101