Question: Where did the third round of talk over Kartarpur Corridor take place on September 4 2019?
(a) Islamabad
(b) New Delhi
(c) Chandigarh
(d) Amritsar
Answer: (d)
Related facts:
- The third round of talks with Pakistan on the modalities for operationalisation of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor was held on September 4, 2019 at Attari, Amritsar.
- Indian delegation comprised of representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Government of Punjab, Land Ports Authority of India, National Highways Authority of India, in addition to Ministry of Home Affairs.
- The meeting reviewed the progress reached in the two rounds of Joint Secretary Level meetings and four rounds of Technical Level meetings, held earlier.
Understanding reached by Parties:
- Agreement on visa free travel of Indian pilgrims, without any restrictions based on their faith. Persons of Indian origin holding OCI card too can visit Holy Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib using the Corridor.
- 5,000 pilgrims can visit Holy Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib using the Corridor every day. Additional pilgrims, over and above the figure of 5,000, can visit on special occasions, subject to capacity expansion by Pakistan side. Pakistan has conveyed its assurance to increase this number.
- The Corridor will be operational throughout the year, seven days a week. Pilgrims will have a choice to visit as individuals or in groups, and on foot.
- Both sides agreed to build the bridge at Budhi Ravi Channel. Pending the construction of the bridge on Pakistan side, both sides agreed to the crossing point coordinates of the temporary service road being built.
- The Pakistan side has agreed to make sufficient provision for preparation and distribution of ‘Langar’ and ‘Prasad’ for the pilgrims.
- However, owing to inflexibility shown by Pakistan, the agreement could not be finalised.
- Pakistan has insisted on charging a service fee for allowing Pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, which is repugnant to the spirit of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
- Pakistan has also shown its unwillingness to allow the presence of Protocol officials at the Gurdwara premises to accompany the pilgrims for their facilitation. Pakistan side was strongly urged to reconsider its position.
Links:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kartarpur-corridor-third-round-of-talks-between-india-pak-underway/article29329827.ece
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1584145