Sign in

Pakistan attempted to politicise religious issue, says MEA on Kartarpur

The MEA asserted that Pakistan has “attempted to politicise a religious issue related to the sentiments of the Sikh community.”

Updated on: Dec 7, 2018, 00:01:52 IST
New Delhi | By
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
Copy link
  • copy link

Denouncing Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s “googly” remark over Kartarpur Corridor, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday asserted that Pakistan has “attempted to politicise a religious issue related to the sentiments of the Sikh community.”

Sikh Pilgrims sit in front of Kartarpur Gurdwara Sahib. The MEA asserted that Pakistan has “attempted to politicise a religious issue related to the sentiments of the Sikh community.” (AFP)
Sikh Pilgrims sit in front of Kartarpur Gurdwara Sahib. The MEA asserted that Pakistan has “attempted to politicise a religious issue related to the sentiments of the Sikh community.” (AFP)

Addressing the media, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “I would just like to add that we see the opening of Kartarpur corridor as a fulfillment of long pending demand of the Sikh community. It was unfortunate that Pakistan has attempted to politicise a religious issue related to the sentiments of the Sikh community.”

On Kartarpur

While expressing hope that Pakistan will take all necessary steps to implement their announcements regarding the Kartarpur Corridor, Kumar said, “In-principle announcements have been made by us and by the reciprocal announcements by the Pakistan side also have been made. Now the details of how the whole thing has to be worked out are to be discussed. Pakistan has to come true to its announcements on Kartarpur on their side of the border and implement those expeditiously.”

Qureshi had earlier claimed that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has “bowled a googly at India by opening the Kartarpur Corridor”.

On November 28, Pakistan Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Kartarpur Corridor along the India-Pakistan border. Once opened, it would allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to the historic Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev died in 1539.

On Christian Michel

External Affairs Ministry (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the Ministry had two requests from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the extradition of Michel from the UAE which were then forwarded to the Indian mission in the Gulf nation.

“After following due process and exhaustion of judicial process, Christian Michel was extradited to India,” Kumar said.

“The matter is being handled by the CBI.”

  • HT News Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT News Desk

    Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More