Pakistan invites Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Kartarpur corridor inauguration

Navjot Sidhu has been given political clearance to travel to Pakistan

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The government of Pakistan has invited spiritual preacher Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to the inaugural ceremony of Kartarpur Sahib corridor, ANI reported. The corridor will open tomorrow, and will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Indian side. 

Conflicting messages from Pakistan over the key issue of whether Indian pilgrims will require passport to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib there, and a caution from New Delhi that Islamabad needs to desist from anti-India propaganda marked the run-up to Saturday's inauguration of the much-awaited Kartarpur corridor.

Briefing reporters, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Pakistan has not reverted over the list of the 550 delegates given by India that will be part of the inaugural jatha.

"Pakistan is supposed to confirm the final list of pilgrims at least four days in advance of the visit. The journey is to take place the day after tomorrow, and so we presume that all the names we have shared with Pakistan, they stand confirmed and we have accordingly informed those who are part of the jatha," he said.

India has also lodged a "strong protest" with the Pakistan after a video released by it on the Kartarpur corridor featured photos of three Khalistani separatist leaders, including Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Kumar said.

"We condemn Pakistan's attempt to undermine the spirit under which the pilgrimage is supposed to be undertaken," Kumar said, adding India has demanded that they remove the objectionable video and also some printed material which is being circulated promoting ant-India propaganda.

The MEA spokesperson also asked Pakistan to ensure adequate security to Indian dignitaries attending the event.

Pakistan also gave conflicting messages on the crucial issue of requirement of passport for Indian pilgrims with Pakistan army spokesman asserting that passport would be required to use the Kartarpur Corridor and the Pakistan foreign office contradicting it, and saying Khan has waived the condition of passport for one year for Indian Sikhs visiting the Gurdwara.

Reacting cautiously, MEA said an agreement has been signed between the two countries finalising the modalities for visits and India will stick to it.

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