Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday expressed hope that Pakistan would eventually understand the Sikh sentiment and tradition, , which bars the community from paying to visit Gurdwaras and temples, and would, and would waive off 20 dollars fee imposed on Indian pilgrims visiting Sri Kartarpur Sahib.
“Even Emperor Akbar had lifted the jaziya tax on non-Muslims, showing respect for secular sentiment”, he pointed out, urging Pak PM Imran Khan to reconsider the 20 dollars fee. The CM did not find the comparison between this fee and the money charges by Saudi Arabia from Haj pilgrims to be apt in the present case, given the Sikhi tradition.
Welcoming the signing of agreement for the opening of Kartarpur Corridor between India and Pakistan, which permits 5000 pilgrims to visit the historic Gurdwara every day, from sunrise to sunset, either in groups or individually, Capt Amarinder said that NRI or OCI card holders would also be allowed to visit the gurdwara via the Corridor, which pilgrims can also travel on foot.
Capt reiterated that he would lead an all-party delegation, along with former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his wife, as the first jatha travelling through the Corridor.