India reschedules Kartarpur meet, objects Khalistani separatists on Pak Panel

India summoned the Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah on Friday and protested over the presence of Khalistani separatists in the committee set up by his country on Kartarpur. India protested that Khalistani separatists with close ties with Laskar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed were made members of Kartarpur panel.

India also sought explanation why a Khalistani militants like Maninder Singh Tara and Gopal Singh Chawla were part Pakistan committee. Both of them are close aide of Laskar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed and were involved in propagating terrorism in India.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rescheduled the meeting on April 2 between India and Pakistan, to discuss the modalities of opening the Kartarpur Corridor. "It has been conveyed that the next meeting on the modalities can be scheduled at an appropriate time after receiving Pakistan's response," said the statement, adding that India would await credible explanation and clarification from Pakistan before the next round of discussions.

India stated that they have reports that Chawla being made member of a ten-member committee for managing Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. The members who have been appointed are Bishon Singh, Kuljit Singh, Maninder Singh Tara, Gopal Singh Chawla, Mahinder Pal Singh, Sahib Singh, Santokh Singh, Shamsher Singh,Tara Singh and Bhagat Singh.

The Pakistan federal cabinet has constituted a ten-member committee to handle Sikh pilgrims after opening of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. The names of members were announced by their Information Minister, Fawad Hussain Chaudhry.

"These developments have raised fresh concerns in India about the safety and security of pilgrims from India and misuse of the corridor for anti-India activities," the ministry pointed out.

India made amply clear in the meeting and draft agreement that Kartarpur Sahib Corridor shall not be misused for any anti-India propaganda and activities. India has been strongly emphasizing on the need for fool proof security of pilgrims on Pakistan soil and demanding commitment from Pakistan to insulate them from any anti-India propaganda or activity during their visit to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib.

The Centre has approved a state-of-the-art passenger terminal building at the Kartarpur Sahib corridor for Sikh pilgrims visiting the gurdwara in Pakistan. The terminal is expected to cost Rs 190