Srinagar, Oct 23: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Tarun Chugh has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending the Kartarpur corridor agreement with Pakistan for another five years, calling it a testament to the PM’s care and concern for Punjabis.
Chugh in a statement said that it was the PM’s efforts that led to the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, allowing devotees to visit Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurudwara Sahib. The renewal of the agreement ensures uninterrupted pilgrimages, he said.
The BJP leader highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing pilgrims’ requests, including the removal of the USD 20 service charge imposed by Pakistan.
“This move by PM Modi reaffirms his love and respect for the Sikh community and acknowledges their religious sentiments,” Chugh said. He further underscored the BJP’s respect for all religious communities, including Sikhs. Initiatives honouring Sikh heritage are part of the party’s broader commitment to safeguarding religious freedoms, he said.
Chugh said that over the past decade, the government has celebrated Sikhism’s values and promoted welfare through events such as the 400th Prakash Parv of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the 550th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the 350th Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
The government’s commitment is also evident through measures like exempting GST on Langar, approving FCRA donations, constructing the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, designating Sultanpur Lodhi as a heritage city and establishing a Guru Nanak Dev Ji chair at a British university, he mentioned.
The BJP leader said that since 2014, PM Modi has supported Punjab’s development while recognising the critical contributions of Sikhs to India’s growth. Initiatives like ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ celebrate Punjab’s rich cultural heritage. He mentioned the designation of December 26 as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ to honour the sacrifices of Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
He said the Modi government sought justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots by establishing a Special Investigation Team (SIT), reopening 300 cases and ensuring accountability for those responsible.
Chugh said the Jallianwala Bagh memorial was restored, financial assistance was provided to 3,328 victim families and the Citizenship Amendment Act granted citizenship rights in India to Sikhs persecuted in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
