By Nirendra Dev
New Delhi/Attari, Jul 14 (UNI) India on Sunday did a fine balance between tough talking on security with Pakistan on Kartarpur Corridor and displayed skillful diplomacy when it offered to make "interim arrangements" for making the corridor operational by November 2019 given certain limitations for constructing a bridge to deal with possible flooding of the Dera Baba Nanak and adjoining areas.
For its part, Pakistan though put on back foot vis-a-vis Khalistani Gopal Singh Chawla issue sought to give an impression of remaining optimistic to put the Kartarpur negotiations on track and termed Sunday's talks as "positive developments".
In March, India had canceled the April 2 meet citing the presence of Chawla and another Khalistani leader Bishan Singh in the official panel of Pakistan.
According to an MEA statement: "Pakistan side assured our delegation that no anti-India activity would be allowed".
Such a situation that gives India an apparent upper hand was underlined further when Indian delegation leader SCL Das told reporters at Attari in Indian side of the border that Pakistan has been conveyed "in very emphatic terms" about all concerns on security related matters.
".....they will act on it...," Mr Das said to a question at the media briefing and further underlined: "About security concerns, we have said earlier also and now I am repeating, it is a matter of paramount concern. There is no possibility of any let up from either side. There is no chance about this...'iska koi sambhavna hae nahi".
Indian side handed over a dossier on security matters and a gazette notification copy of July 10 ban imposed on 'Sikhs for Justice' by the central government.
"We have reports that the SFJ operates in Pakistan and especially in parts of Punjab in that country itself," he said adding India will "definitely keep things under close watch".
"....we will keep a very close watch on how things evolve," he said.
Deft diplomacy:
"The Indian side conveyed concerns regarding the possible flooding of the Dera Baba Nanak and adjoining areas on the Indian side as a result of earth filled embankment road or a causeway that is proposed to be built by Pakistan on their side. The Indian delegation shared detailed flood analysis ....It was clearly conveyed that an earth filled embankment or a causeway will create problems for our people and should not be built even in the interim," an MEA statement said after delegation talks between two sides at Pakistan's Wagah border point.
Details of the bridge over a creek that India is building on its side were shared, and Pakistan side was urged to also build a (similar) bridge on their side. "This would not only address the flooding related concerns, but also ensure smooth, hassle free, all-weather pilgrimage to the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib, throughout the year."
While Pakistan side "agreed in principle, to build a bridge at the earliest", the Indian delegation at the parleys led by SCL Das, a senior Union Home Ministry official, told the Pakistan officials that - "Pending the construction of a bridge over the old Ravi creek by Pakistan on their territory, India offered to make interim arrangements for making the corridor operational in November 2019, given the historic importance of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji."
Corridor of Peace:
India urged Pakistan to take into consideration the sentiments of the pilgrims to have smooth, easy, unrestricted access throughout the year to be able to visit the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib.
Pakistani delegation leader Mohammad Faisal, foreign ministry spokesman, later said - "This is a corridor of peace and we have planted a sapling" and tweeted a snap of him planting a sapling at the Wagah border.
The proposed Kartarpur Corridor will connect the Gurudwara in Pakistan's Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of pilgrims.
Mr Faisal also said that till it is finalised, "we cannot share details of draft agreement".
"On unresolved issues, we think we will have to have another sitting," he maintained and answering a question, he also said that exact number of pilgrims those will be allowed to visit is not yet decided.
"It may be 5,000 or 8,000...I cannot give the number," he has been quoted in the media.
"In my opinion, around 80 per cent and beyond has been agreed upon."
However, he did not provide any details of the meeting, said a report in 'Dawn'.
The MEA statement said that Pakistan has "in-principle agreed" to build a bridge to connect with the Indian side.
"We have shared our concerns regarding individuals or organisations based in Pakistan who may try to disrupt the pilgrimage and misuse the opportunity," said Mr Das in reference to Khalistani elements.
The Indian delegation also sought consular presence in the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara to be able to provide assistance to pilgrims, if required.
Indian security agencies have alerted the government that some elements could be at work to 'radicalise' Sikhs and revive Khalistani movement. The SJF's online anti-India campaign is seen in that perspective.
Mr Das said the delegation raised the issue of encroachment and acquisition of land belonging to the Gurdwara.
It was also requested that there should be 'no restrictions' on the pilgrims in terms of their faith and that not only Indian nationals, but also the Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) holding OCI cards be allowed to use the Kartarpur Corridor facility.
The movement should be visa free and Pakistan should reconsider charging any fee or introducing any permit system.
UNI DEVN SHK2006