Modi inaugurates Kartarpur corridor

Thanks Imran; 562 pilgrims visit gurdwara on first day

DERA BABA NANAK (GURDASPUR): In a rare and landmark initiative, the Kartarpur corridor facilitating Indian pilgrims to visit one of Sikhism's holiest shrines in the Pakistani town of Narowal was thrown open amid fanfare and presence of several thousand Sikhs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan for respecting Indian sentiments towards the shrine across the border that marks the final resting place of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev, as he flagged off from Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur the first pilgrimage comprising of 562 pilgrims which then offered prayers at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, just four kilometres apart across the border.
"I thank Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Niazi. He understood India's feelings on the Kartarpur corridor issue, gave respect (to it) and, worked keeping in view those feelings," the prime minister told a gathering at the BSF camp in Shikhaar Masiahan, about eight kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak gurdwara.
Donning a saffron turban on the occasion, PM Modi said he felt blessed to be on the holy land here to dedicate the Kartarpur corridor to the country.
The opening of the corridor and the integrated check post would bring "double happiness" to the people, he added.
"I feel blessed that I am dedicating the Kartarpur corridor to the country. At the moment, I am getting the same feeling which you get at the time of doing Kar Sewa (religious service)", he said.
This corridor and Integrated Check Post will serve thousands of devotees each day, and take them to Gurudwara Darbar Sahib, he said.
The prime minister also congratulated the countrymen and Sikhs across the world, while inaugurating the corridor.
He then flagged off the first batch of over 500 Indian pilgrims led by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who later in the day, returned back, as per the agreement between India and Pakistan.
Before flagging off the first jatha, Modi chatted briefly with Manmohan Singh, who was accompanied by his wife Gursharan Kaur.
Other members of the delegation included Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Union ministers Hardeep Puri and Som Prakash. Former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal, his son and Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and daughter-in-law and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal were also part of the delegation led by Akal Takht Jathedar Harpreet Singh. Gurdaspur MLA Sunny Deol was part of this group.
The corridor was thrown open days ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 12.
"Paying obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib will become easier now due to the corridor. I express gratitude to the Punjab government, SGPC and all the workers who were involved in building this Corridor," the prime minister said.
The Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, the apex religious body of the Sikhs also honoured the prime minister with 'Kaumi Sewa Award' on the occasion.
"The SGPC bestowed me with Kaumi Sewa award, which I dedicate at the feet of Guru Nanak Dev," he said. "Guru Nanak is not a legacy of Sikhs alone, but an inspiration for the entire humanity," said the prime minister, adding, "He is not only a Guru, but a thought."
The prime minister also thanked the Pakistani workers involved in building the corridor.
"I also want to thank the workers of Pakistan who worked at a fast pace to help in building the corridor on their side," he said.
He also referred to the Indian Railways plan to link places, concerned with Guru Nanak's life, by a special weekly train.
The Centre government has worked on improving rail and air connectivity among religious places of Sikhs, including Akal Takhat, Damdama Sahib, Kesgarh Sahib, Patna Sahib and Huzoor Sahib, he said.
On the issue of scrapping of a Centre's 'black list', having names of 321 foreigner Sikhs, who were allegedly involved in anti-India activities, the prime minister said this decision has benefitted Sikhs world over.
“Many families can apply for visa now, can meet their relatives easily in India and perform prayers at places of worship of the Gurus," he said.
Mentioning the nullification of then Article 370 and the Citizen Amendment Bill, the prime minister said the Sikh community would get direct benefits by two decisions of the Central government.
The decision to annul Article 370 would enable Sikhs in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to avail all the rights enjoyed by other people of the country, said the prime minister, adding the Citizen Amendment Bill would benefit Sikhs also as they can get country's citizenship easily.
The prime minister also urged people to "take a pledge to remain alert to forces inimical to India" and keep away from habit of drugs and keep future generations away from it.
Modi released commemorative coins, with a face value of Rs 550 value, and a postage stamp.