India irked over slow pace of work for Kartarpur pilgrims

India expressed its displeasure on Saturday on the utter lack of progress by Pakistan for construction of a bridge at the Budhi Ravi Channel on the Pakistani side of the border “for safe and hassle-free movement of pilgrims” bound for the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara near the border in Pakistani Punjab despite the lapse of a year in time-period.

India has already constructed the bridge on its side of the border, New Delhi said.

In response to a reported proposal by Pakistan for re-opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, India raised the above issue, adding that “a decision on re-opening of the corridor would be taken in accordance with the Covid protocol and easing of restrictions”.

It may be recalled that movement of pilgrims on the corridor was suspended in the wake of Covid-19 outbreak. Pakistan had “temporarily closed” the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on March 16 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “At the time of opening of the Kartarpur corridor last year and in the bilateral agreement signed in October 2019, it was decided that both sides shall establish requisite infrastructure including construction of a bridge at Budhi Ravi Channel at the earliest for safe and hassle-free movement of pilgrims. One year hence, Pakistan is yet to construct the bridge while it is ready at our end. A technical meeting with Pakistan was also facilitated and two teams met on 27 August 2020. There is, however, no progress on part of Pakistan.”

The MEA added, “Movement (of pilgrims in the corridor) was suspended in the wake of Covid-19 outbreak. We remain in touch with all concerned authorities including Ministries of Home Affairs and Health and Family Welfare.”