Kartarpur talks not a resumption of dialogue with Pakistan but it is related to emotions of Indian citizens: MEA

As India and Pakistan would resume their talks over Kartarpur corridor, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that it doesn’t mean the dialogue between the two countries will begin.

Categorically mentioning about the emotions of the Indian citizens, External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that these talks refer to the emotions of Indian residents and is not a resumption of bilateral talks between the two countries.

“It is related to the emotions of Indian citizens of Sikh faith. Our decision to meet reflects our strong commitment to operationalise the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on the occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, and also to meet the long-pending demand to have easy and smooth access to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib (in Pakistan), said Raveesh Kumar, the MEA spokesperson.

As their were doubts regarding the Pakistan’s attendance in the meeting, Raveesh informed that “We are happy that Pakistanis are coming for this meeting on (March) 14^th.”

An official said that the Ministry of Home Affairs has given approval for a detailed plan of the construction of corridor, adding that “The first phase will be developed over 15 acres, for which the process of land acquisition has already commenced.”

India and Pakistan have been under tension since the deadly Pulwama attack on February 14, which claimed the lives of more than 40 CRPF personnel and was carried out by terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohmmad.