India turns down Pak offer of reopening Kartarpur Corridor

New Delhi: India has turned down Pakistan’s offer to reopen Kartarpur Corridor on June 29 on health and technical grounds. Pakistan on Saturday conveyed its readiness to the Indian side to reopen the Corridor on the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh on Monday. But within hours of the offer, sources here pointed out that any further view would have to be taken in consultation with health authorities and other stakeholders concerned because cross-border travel is suspended to contain the spread of Covid.
India also accused Pakistan of being less than sincere in making the offer since Islamabad has aired the proposal at a short notice of two days.
On the other hand, the bilateral agreement provides for information to be shared by India with the Pakistan side at least seven days before the date of travel. This would need India to open up the registration process well in advance, the sources pointed out.
Besides, Pakistan has not built the bridge on their side across the flood plains of the Ravi river despite having committed to it in the bilateral agreement. With the advent of monsoon, it would need to be evaluated whether safe pilgrim movement is possible through the Corridor. The Kartarpur Corridor was inaugurated in November last year by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on the eve of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
Pakistan has called the Kartarpur Corridor a true symbol of peace and religious harmony but India is not convinced on several counts. Besides technical issues, India is also apprehensive of Pakistani intelligence agencies attempting to further their agenda of Khalistan by preying on gullible pilgrims.
The Corridor was temporarily closed on March 16. The Pakistan Foreign Office said as religious places were gradually opening up around the world, Islamabad also began making the necessary arrangements to reopen Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
To ensure adherence to the health guidelines, Pakistan has invited India to work out necessary SOPs for reopening the Corridor.