In a recent development, the Ministry of External Affairs has raised concerns and sought clarifications on the reports of inclusion of Hafiz Saeed’s close aide and Khalistan exponent Gopal Singh Chawla’s name in a panel associated with the Kartarpur corridor project.
Ministry of External Affairs: India has shared concerns & sought clarifications on reports that controversial elements have been appointed by Pakistan to a committee to be associated with the Kartarpur Corridor.
— ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2019
India also called the Pakistan envoy and registered its objection on the inclusion of controversial names in the 10 member committee on Kartarpur project set up by Pakistan cabinet. The government has objected to the inclusion of Gopal Singh Chawla and Bishen Singh in the committee, both are Khalistani extremists and Chawla is also known to be close with LeT chief Hafiz Saeed.
Govt Sources: Three days back a ten member committee on Kartarpur was set up by Pakistan cabinet. Committee has controversial names including Gopal Chawla who is associated with LeT and Bishen Singh.India called Pakistan envoy and sough clarification
— ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2019
As per sources quoted by ANI, MEA has conveyed to the Pakistani authorities that the meeting on the modalities can be scheduled after India receives Pakistan’s response on the concerns raised by it. India has proposed to hold another meeting of technical experts in mid-April to resolve outstanding issues at the zero point agreed to at the last meeting. But now that meeting has been put on hold till a satisfactory response is received from the Pakistani government.
Government Sources: India made it amply clear the #KartarpurCorridor should not be used for anti India activities including secessionist activities or propaganda. India wants pilgrims to travel safe and in a secure manner
— ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2019
Taking a firm stand against security lapses, India has resolutely conveyed to Pakistan that Kartarpur corridor project cannot be used to propagate anti-India activities including secessionist tendencies. India has expressed that once the security issues are addressed, meaningful discussion on the Kartarpur project can be taken forward.
Government Sources: There can’t be any let up in security. India hopes Pakistan will address security concerns.Once security aspect is cleared and we get a satisfactory response we are open and keen to take discussion forward and conclude in a meaningful way #KartarpurCorridor https://t.co/HY8fi3VL4e
— ANI (@ANI) March 29, 2019
Yesterday, Sikh bodies had also condemned inclusion of Gopal Singh Chawla in the list of Kartarpur committee provided by Pakistan. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee(SGPC) and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) said that Pakistan should have avoided including known anti-Indian persons in cahoots with Islamist extremists in the 10 member committee on Kartarpur corridor project.
