The Kartarpur Corridor is the final resting place of the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Dev (file)
New Delhi:
India said on Saturday a decision to reopen the Kartarpur corridor would be made in accordance with protocols relating to COVID-19 and the easing of restrictions.
The comments by Foreign Ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava follow Pakistan’s proposal to reopen the corridor which was closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In November last year, the two countries opened the corridor connecting Dera Baba Sahib to Gurdaspur in India and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan, as part of a historic people-to-people initiative.
“As you know, the movement has been suspended following the COVID-19 epidemic. We remain in contact with all relevant authorities, including the ministries of the interior and of health and of the family.” Mr. Srivastava said, responding to a media question on the matter. .
“A decision on whether to reopen the corridor would be made in accordance with COVID-19 protocols and the relaxation of restrictions,” he said.
Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is located in Pakistani Narowal district across the Ravi River, about four kilometers from Dera Baba Nanak Shrine.
It is the final resting place of the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak Dev, who had spent the last 18 years of his life in Kartarpur.
In his comments, Mr Srivastava also said that Pakistan has yet to build a bridge over the Budhi Ravi Canal as promised last year.
“At the time of the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor last year and in the bilateral agreement signed in October 2019, it was decided that the two parties will establish the necessary infrastructure, including the construction of a bridge to the canal. Budhi Ravi ASAP for security and hassle free. pilgrim movement, ”he said.
“In a year, Pakistan still has to build the bridge while it is ready at our end. A technical meeting with Pakistan was also facilitated and two teams met on August 27. There is no progress however. from Pakistan, ”MEA spokesman said.
The Kartarpur corridor was opened amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.
Relations between the two countries collapsed after India abolished the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019 and branched off into two Union territories.
