In a rush to claim credit for the likely opening of Kartarpur corridor by Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev’s 550th birth anniversary next year, Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday created another controversy.
Over-enthused over Pak Minister’s tweet, Sidhu went on showering praises on the Pakistan leadership, including his Prime Minister ‘friend’ Imran Khan, while requesting the India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj “with folded hands” to initiate a discussion with Pakistan.
But, Sidhu’s reaction to the information, coming from across the border, regarding warring neighbour’s move to “facilitate” unhindered tour of Sikh pilgrims in Pakistan, did not come at the right time. Former cricketer’s “excitement” failed to go down well with the BJP and even his own party-man.
A Sikh Congress leader, who did not wish to be named, told The Pioneer that no Indian would like to visit Pakistan if they indulge in revenge and bloodshed.
“Kartarpur Sahib holds immense significance among Sikh community. But if Pakistan continue to talk of bloodshed on our land on the one hand, and preaching friendship on the other, it is not acceptable. I am sure that the Sikhs in India would prefer to pay their obeisance from the Indian side, rather than visiting their land,” said the Congress leader.
BJP’s senior leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said: “Navjot Sidhu and Congress should give a clarification whether this is also the line of the party otherwise we will consider it a statement by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. This has become Congress’ nature now — to insult India and its Prime Minister and praise Pakistan and its leaders.”
“Navjot Sidhu is a Congress leader and his statement thanking Pakistan is an indication of what the Congress feels about Pakistan. On one side General Qamar Javed Bajwa has spewed venom against India, saying his military was ready to avenge bloodshed of its men on the border with ‘khoon ka badla khoon’ and in India a Congress leader is thanking Pakistan,” said Hussain.
Days after Sidhu hit the headlines for his hugplomacy with Pak Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa during his Islamabad visit of late, Sidhu was against in the centre of controversy for praising its arch rival nation when its army commander is talking about ‘blood for blood’ and supporting terrorism in Kashmir.
“I do not want to comment on what Bajwa said,” reacted Sidhu. Reportedly, Bajwa, during the Pakistan Defence Day, hailed the militancy in Kashmir and vowed to avenge the deaths of his country’s soldiers.
Going ahead, Sidhu said that the decision to open the Kartarpur corridor has been taken by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan after consultations with various stakeholders. “They are prepared to open the Kartarpur corridor on the occasion of Guru Nank Dev’s 550th birth anniversary,” he said.
He claimed that the Sikh pilgrims may not require a visa to undertake the pilgrimage. “A formal announcement to this effect will be made by Pakistan very soon,” he said.
Sidhu was apparently referring to comments attributed to Pakistan Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, who also urged resumption of the dialogue between the two countries.
Sidhu added that Pakistan was awaiting a positive reply from India for dates for the talks.
“I thank my friend Imran Khan for this noble goodwill gesture. He has not walked two steps but miles and opened the doors for infinite possibilities. I am indebted forever,” he said.
Referring to the purported move by the Pakistan, he said that this was a signal from the neighbouring nation, and appealed to the Centre to reciprocate. “Pakistan has sent a message of friendship,” he said.
“Following the path of peace is the only way to resolve issues. Talks can bring prosperity to the region,” he said.