Narendra Modi terms Kartarpur corridor attempt to 'atone' for mistakes of 1947, promises justice for 1984 riot victims

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the decision of his government to construct Kartarpur Corridor and promised justice to the families of 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims, which shook the nation. Modi, who was speaking after releasing a commemorative coin to mark the 352nd birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, on Sunday, said: “No binoculars are needed as the Sikh shrines of Dera Baba Nanak Sahib will now be visible with naked eyes. Sikh devotees will be able to make a visa-free pilgrimage to Darbar Sahib in Pakistan.” “Kartarpur corridor project is an attempt to atone for the mistakes committed during India’s partition in August 1947. We had failed to ensure that the sacred site of Guru remains on our side of the border. This project is authentic proof of compensating that loss,” said Prime Minister Modi. [caption id=“attachment_5887291” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Narendra Modi on Sunday released a commemorative coin to mark the 352nd birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. PTI[/caption] Talking about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, wherein around 2,700 Sikhs were killed across India, after the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards Satwant Singh and Beant Singh, Modi said: “Our government will ensure that all the culprits are behind the bars and victims’ families get justice.” Once opened, Kartarpur corridor will allow Sikh pilgrims from India direct access to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak Dev died in 1539. In November last year, both India and Pakistan did the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the corridor on both sides of the border. “Our government is working as per the teachings and ideals of Guru Gobind Singh ji. We are also preparing for grand celebrations to mark the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji,” said the prime minister in the event organised at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Talking about the values Guru Gobind Singh taught to humanity, Prime Minister Modi said: “Guru Govind Singh, the feeder of humanity to Khalsa sect, was dedicated to Indian culture and traditions.” “Today, I have got a great opportunity to release the commemorative coin to mark the 352nd Parkash Purab of Guru Gobind Singh ji. His coin is already imprinted in our hearts for many years. It is, however, just a small gesture to pay respect and express our faith in his principles,” he said. “Guru Gobind Singh ji was not only a Guru (teacher) but also a great devotee. He was not only an exceptional fighter but also a noteworthy poet and creative writer. He was against injustice and a firm supporter of peace. He sacrificed his own son to protect thousands of sons of the nation. Guru Gobind Singh ji is a true example of patriotism, peace, humanity, and patience,” Prime Minister Modi noted. “Despite his own struggles, he was always eager to sacrifice his happiness for others. Khalsa sect is a result of his hard work and esteem knowledge. He fought against the social evils like casteism,” he said. “The Dasam Granth, which is a separate religious text from the Guru Granth Sahib, reflects his incredible command over language and literature. All his teachings are being followed by us for the development of a new India,” added Prime Minister Modi. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and a host of prominent Sikh personalities were present on the occasion.