Kartarpur talks related to citizens’ emotions, not a resumption of dialogue: MEA

Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said one should understand the purpose and objective of the Kartarpur talks, and it was not a resumption of bilateral dialogue. “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),” he said.

Pakistan had cast doubt on the meeting but India never said the meeting will not be held, Kumar said. “We are happy that Pakistanis are coming for this meeting on (March) 14th,” he said.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials said Saturday a “state-of-the-art” passenger terminal building will be constructed for the corridor at a cost of Rs 190 crore. The passenger terminal building complex will have all necessary amenities to facilitate pilgrims visiting the gurdwara.

The MHA has approved a detailed plan for construction of the terminal complex, an MHA official said.

Fifty acres of land has been identified for the purpose and the project will be developed in two phases. “The first phase will be developed over 15 acres, for which the process of land acquisition has already commenced,” another official said.

Officials said the design has been inspired by the symbol ‘Khanda’, which represents values of oneness and humanity.