Ahead of Kartarpur Corridor opening, Pakistan launches controversial music video with images of Khalistani leaders
Islamabad/IBNS: Just days before the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, the Pakistani government triggered a controversy by posting a promotional video song on the social media where pictures of Khalistani separatist leaders could be seen.
Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released the video on Monday.
Official Song of Kartarpur Corridor Opening Ceremony.
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) November 4, 2019
(3/3) #PakistanKartarpurSpirit #KartarpurCorridor pic.twitter.com/Redj4i15he
The video reportedly showed the posters of Khalistani leaders Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Major General Shabeg Singh and Amrik Singh Khalsa.
They were killed during the Operation Blue Star in 1984.
Official Song of Kartarpur Corridor Opening Ceremony.
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) November 4, 2019
(2/3) #PakistanKartarpurSpirit #KartarpurCorridor pic.twitter.com/47V4U9Zluw
Bhindranwale was the head of Damdami Taksal, a Sikh religious sect, while Singh was a top-ranked Indian Army officer who became a part of the Khalistani movement in 1984 after being court-martialled just before retirement on corruption charges. Khalsa, on the other hand, was a Khalistani student leader and headed the banned outfit All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSD), reported Times Now.
Official Song of Kartarpur Corridor Opening Ceremony.
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) November 4, 2019
(1/3) #PakistanKartarpurSpirit #KartarpurCorridor pic.twitter.com/TZTzAQMUcw
The corridor will be opened for Sikh pilgrims on Nov 9.
What is the Kartarpur Corridor?
Kartarpur is a small town in district Narowal, 4.7 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 released earlier: "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."
The corridor is intended to allow religious devotees from India (mainly Sikhs) to visit the Gurdwara in Kartarpur without a visa.
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