India and Pakistan signed a historic pact to open the land corridor on Thursday.
The land corridor will allow Indian pilgrims to visit the holy Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Kartarpur.
The Gurdwara is located in Narowal district of Pakistan. Surprisingly, Pakistan has assured India to make sufficient arrangements for community kitchen (Langar) and Prasad.
Notably, the pact haggled between the countries on the inclusion of service charges by Pakistan. Earlier, Pakistan was planning of levying $20 per pilgrim per visit. India opposed the move vehemently.
Indian, however, agreed to the agreement “in the interest of Indian pilgrimage.” Interestingly, India wanted to sign the agreement before the 550th Prakash Purab.
In the previous three secretary level meetings, India urged for a levy-free pilgrimage for Indian devotees. Both the countries showed a green signal to the opening of a land corridor.
India is still pushing for reconsideration on the inclusion of service tax. Meanwhile, a list of ‘dos and don’ts’ has issued by Home Ministry for the devotees.
The Pilgrims can carry a maximum of Rs 11,000 and a 7Kg bag. The pilgrims cannot move beyond the shrine. The devotees will use Eco-friendly material, preferably a cloth bag.
The devotees who propose to visit the shrine have to register online in advance. The registration is not a proof of travel, said Home Ministry. Pilgrims will get information about the confirmation via message or mail in advance.
The pilgrims can also generate an electronic Travel Authorisation. They need to carry it along with their passport.
The passenger cannot smoke, drink, and use tobacco in the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) complex.
The Home Ministry guidelines include that Pilgrims should not to touch any unattended article. If they happen found anything suspicious, they have to inform the authorities.
Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Kartarpur Sahib corridor on November 8th.
