India on Friday shared concerns and sought clarifications on reports that controversial elements have been appointed by Pakistan to a committee to be associated with the Kartarpur Corridor.
Government sources said that a ten-member committee on Kartarpur was set up by the Pakistan cabinet three days back, which has controversial names including Gopal Singh Chawla, a pro-Khalistan leader who is also associated with LeT and Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) former president Bishen Singh.
India hopes that Pakistan will address the security concerns, sources said, adding that once the security aspect is cleared and a satisfactory response is received, India will take the discussion forward and conclude in a meaningful way.
India has also made it clear that the Kartarpur Corridor should not be used for anti-India activities including secessionist acts or propaganda. India wants pilgrims to travel safe and in a secure manner.
In order to take forward the infrastructure development for the corridor in an expeditious manner, India has proposed to hold another meeting of technical experts in mid-April to resolve outstanding issues at the zero point agreed to at the last meeting, the MEA said.
India had made key proposals at the last meeting held in Attari including allowing more than 5000 pilgrims daily and 15,000 on special days. Also, it has proposed that the corridor be made available to all irrespective of any religion.
India also proposed that the corridor be made available for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders, to which Pakistan disagreed. India has also asked for the corridor to be open on all seven days in a week.
India has conveyed to Pakistan that the next meeting on the modalities of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor will be scheduled at an appropriate time after receiving Pakistan’s response.