"Clear that PM Modi respects Sikh faith," says BJP's Pradeep Bhandari on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor agreement validity extension

New Delhi [India], October 23 (ANI): Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the agreement renewal between India and Pakistan over the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for the next five years, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that the Prime Minister has made it clear that he is very respectful to the Sikh community and their faith.
"By extending Kartarpur Corridor Agreement for 5 years, PM Narendra Modi has made it clear how he respects Sikhs and their faith. Several governments came to power after independence and made false promises to Sikhs. None of those governments could open the Kartarpur Corridor," said Bhandari.
The BJP leader further added that the new initiative shows PM Modi's commitment to Sikhs and Punjab.
"PM Narendra Modi opened the Kartarpur Corridor and extended its Agreement for 5 years...He respects Sikhs and Punjab...It should be remembered how Sikhs residing in neighbouring countries are religiously persecuted, and if anyone gave them shelter, it is the Government of PM Narendra Modi. The extension of Kartarpur Corridor is historic, it shows PM Narendra Modi's commitment to Sikhs and Punjab," said Bhandari.
The agreement was signed between the two countries on 24 October 2019 to facilitate the visit of pilgrims from India to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan's Narowal through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, was valid for a period of five years.
In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "It has been agreed between India and Pakistan through diplomatic channels to extend the validity of the Agreement on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for a further period of five years."
Extension of the validity of this agreement will ensure uninterrupted operation of the Corridor for use by pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara in Pakistan.
In a press release, MEA said, "In view of the continued requests of pilgrims regarding the removal of USD 20 service charge levied by Pakistan per pilgrim per visit, India has once again urged Pakistan to not levy any fee or charges on the pilgrims."
Earlier in June, Pakistan issued 509 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to attend Maharaja Ranjeet Singh's death anniversary. Maharaja Ranjeet Singh was the first king of the Sikh empire in the 19th century. He is popularly known as 'Sher-e-Punjab.' (ANI)