While Punjab CM flays Pakistan, Navjot Singh Sidhu reaches Lahore for Kartarpur groundbreaking

While Congress in Punjab seemed to be split over its relationship with Pakistan, especially after a recent terror attack in Amritsar, Sidhu reaching the other side of border said he has brought with himself message of 'love and peace'.

The ground-breaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor will be held on Wednesday.

Sidhu reached Lahore city through the Wagah Border and was quoted as saying by Geo News: "Karturpur corridor will prove to be a path of peace and instead of 60 years, happiness can come in six months through it."

He said: "This corridor will be the reason that borders between both the countries open."

"Religion should not be seen through the eyes of politics," Sidhu said.

Apart from Sidhu,  Minister for Food Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister for Housing Hardeep S Puri will also attend the event on behalf of India.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the groundbreaking ceremony of the facilities at the crossing on the Pakistan side on Nov 28. 

Navjot Sidhu and his visit to Pakistan during Imran Khan's oath taking event:

Sidhu, earlier this year, had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan, his old friend from cricketing days, as the new Pakistan Prime Minister.

His visit to the neighbouring nation had triggered controversies in India.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra asked whether Sidhu took permission of the Congress party before attending the ceremony in Pakistan.

Criticising Sidhu for hugging Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Patra said the Congress party leaders embrace those people of Pakistan who escalate terrorist activities in India.

Away from the BJP, his own party leader and Punjab CM Amarinder Singh had criticised the step.

Singh had clarified that he deeply disapproved such show of affection by Sidhu towards the Pakistan Army Chief.

"Every day our jawans are getting martyred. To hug their Chief General Bajwa... I am against this," Singh was quoted as saying to media.

Sidhu had then defended himself saying Pakistan has assured him to open the Kartarpur corridor, a move considered very important for the Sikh pilgrims. 

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh slams Pakistan:

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who rejected Pakistan's invitation to visit the groundbreaking ceremony for Kartarpur Sahib, on Monday attacked the neighbouring country's Army Chief Qamar Bajwa. 

Singh made these remarks while laying the foundation stone for Kartarpur Sahib corridor in Gurdaspur along with Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.

Targeting Bajwa over the last week's attack at a prayer hall in Amritsar that left three people dead, Singh said, "People were offering prayers in a village and grenades were hurled at them. Is it what is taught by the army? It is cowardliness."

Singh, who is a retired Indian Army officer himself, said, "I would like to ask Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Bajwa something, as a soldier...Which army teaches to violate ceasefire and kill jawans on the other side? Which army teaches to send people to attack Pathankot and Amritsar? This is cowardice."

The Punjab CM also warned Bajwa against disturbing the peaceful atmosphere of Punjab and the country.

"We believe in peace and we are giving a message of peace from here. But, their generals should understand that we have a large Army and we are prepared... And this should not happen as nobody wants war. We all want to carry out development in a peaceful manner," he said.

What is the Kartarpur Corridor:

Kartarpur is a small town in district Narowal, 4 km from the Pakistan- India border, where the founder of the Sikh religion, Baba Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life.

Subsequently, Gurdwara Darbar Sahab was built at the site on the Pakistan side and Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak in India, which are visited by thousands of Sikhs every year. 

As per the Pakistan Foreign Office statement: "Opening the corridor will allow Sikh Yatrees ease of access for their most reverential place of worship which has been their longstanding demand. This is also reflective of the importance and primacy that Pakistan gives to all minorities."