Sikhs in America hail India's decision to build Kartarpur corridor
What's the story
The Sikhs in America have hailed the Indian Government's decision to build a religious corridor linking border district of Gurdaspur with historic Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara in Pakistan, thus, fulfilling a long pending demand of the community.
Both India and Pakistan have announced that stretches would be developed in their respective areas.
The Chairman of Sikhs of America called the decision 'historic'.
Here's more.
Information
Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib: Why it holds such great prominence?
Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about 4 km from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur (Punjab). It was established by the Sikh Guru in 1522. Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib was built where Guru Nanak Dev is said to have died.
Appreciation
Chairman of Sikhs of America called the decision 'historic'
"The Indian Government's decision to develop and open the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is historic," Jasdip Singh, Chairman, Sikhs of America, said during his meeting with visiting Union MoS (External Affairs) Gen (retd.) VK Singh.
A delegation led by Jasdip met Singh in Washington yesterday.
Singh is currently on a three-city US trip to inaugurate Passport Seva projects in New York, Washington DC, and Atlanta.
Hailing Modi
PM very sympathetic towards concerns of Sikh Community: Jasdip
"From the very first day after coming to power, the Prime Minister has not only been sympathetic to the concerns of the Sikh community but has also acted to address all our concerns," Singh said.
Welcoming the decision, Gurinder Singh Khalsa, a community leader, said that this is just a beginning for the greater good of the region and the humanity.
Hope
Kartarpur will maintain peace between India, Pakistan: Sikh leader
"Incarnation of God, Guru Nanak became corridor between Hindus and Muslims, rich and poor, Pundits and Dalits during the most troubled times," said Khalsa.
He said, "I am a firm believer that now again after 550 years, with the grace of almighty, Kartarpur (town of God) corridor will be a pathway for sustainable peace between the two countries of India and Pakistan."
Seeking justice
After Kartarpur, Sikhs of America wants justice in 1984 riots
The decision regarding construction of the Sikh corridor has the potential to kick-off peace between India and Pakistan.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a great friend of the Sikhs," said Puneet Ahluwalia, a Republican leader from Virginia.
In a memorandum submitted to the visiting minister, Sikhs of America organization urged the Prime Minister to bring to justice the masterminds of the 1984 riots.
Felicitation
Maryland, Virginia Sikh community presented a saropa to Singh
The memorandum also urged the Indian Government to provide a visa to the Sikhs in the US who have received political asylum.
VK Singh was felicitated at a Baltimore gurdwara (Maryland) in recognition of some of the decisions being taken by the Indian Government for the Sikh community.
The local Sikh community from Maryland and Virginia representing Sikh Sewa presented a saropa to Singh.