AAP MP Raghav Chadha made a moving appeal to the Central government on Wednesday, urging it to initiate talks with Pakistan to establish a safe passage to Shri Nankana Sahib.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Chadha emphasized the significance of the issue, stating, “I believe all Members of Parliament will support the matter I am raising today, as it pertains to the faith of millions of Punjabis.”
He reflected on the impact of the Partition, noting that Punjab was divided between India and Pakistan, resulting in the loss of not just lives but also sacred sites, including Gurdwara Sahib. “Many Punjabi families, including mine, lost loved ones during that period. Among our losses was Gurdwara Sahib. Today, important Gurdwaras like Shri Kartarpur Sahib, Shri Panja Sahib, and Shri Nankana Sahib remain in Pakistan,” Chadha said.
Gurdwara Shri Nankana Sahib is recognized as the birthplace of the first Sikh guru, Shri Guru Nanak Dev.
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Drawing a parallel to the Shri Kartarpur Sahib corridor, which has fostered unity among devotees, Chadha expressed hope that a similar corridor for Shri Nankana Sahib would “fulfill the shared dreams and spiritual connections” of Sikh pilgrims.
Chadha presented three key demands: First, he proposed that the governments of India and Pakistan establish a corridor similar to the Shri Kartarpur Sahib corridor, ensuring safe pilgrimage to Shri Nankana Sahib. Second, he called for the simplification of travel procedures, advocating for easier access without complex visa and passport requirements or fees. Third, he highlighted the need to create a direct and secure route from the Attari-Wagah Border in Amritsar to Shri Nankana Sahib, which is approximately 104 km away.
Emphasizing the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, who dedicated his life to spreading messages of peace, love, and brotherhood, Chadha underscored the importance of this proposed corridor for the Sikh community.
