Sushma Swaraj assured of writing to Pakistan on Kartarpur Sahib, claims Navjot Sidhu; faces fresh flak
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had assured him that the draft on the Kartarpur corridor issue was ready and the letter would soon be sent to Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal asked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to tell what action he would take against Sidhu for betraying the people and misusing sentiments on the Kartarpur corridor issue to hide his “traitorous” conduct.
Sidhu said he had requested Swaraj to send a formal request to the Pakistan government for an early agreement and opening of the Kartarpur Sahib passage.
“During the 15-minute meeting with Swaraj, I explained her about the necessity of opening of the corridor. It is the responsibility of the Indian government to send a formal request for the opening of the corridor, keeping in mind the sentiments of over 10 crore Sikhs, Punjabi wand Sindhi community. She (Swaraj) heard me and told me that a draft is being prepared, and she will write a letter to the Pakistan government,’’ claimed Sidhu.
“The Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is located in Pakistan and we want to go there to pay obeisance. So, we need to initiate talks. A formal request for opening of passage should go from our side,’’ he added.
The appointment with the MEA minister was taken in advance, Sidhu said. He added former minister MS Gill accompanied him on his request as he had been pursuing the issue for long.
When asked about Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s claim that he was reprimanded by Swaraj, Sidhu refused to comment.
“I have nothing to say. They can abuse me as much as they want. Politics and religion should be separate.”
Union Minister VK Singh said India has not received any proposal from Pakistan to open the corridor.