November 9 will be remembered as a historic day for two milestones,and both will have far-reaching but contrasting effects on bilateral and communal relations: the opening of the Kartarpur corridor and the final verdict on the Babri Mosque case.
Pakistan has finally inaugurated the Kartarpur overland passage, allowing Sikh pilgrims to cross the international border without a visa to visit one of their holiest sites. Around 5000 devotees will be able to use the corridor each day and there cannot be a more joyous moment for them.
Sikhs from across the border have started arriving in Pakistan to make the historic pilgrimage. The first Sikh caravan was led by former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He expressed hope that the corridor will improve Pak-India relations terming it a big moment for the Sikh community.
Pakistan will hail the opening as a huge success and an indication that minorities enjoy freedom in the country. Even Modi has been compelled to acknowledge the reality; he thanked Prime Minister Imran Khan for understanding the sentiments of Sikhs and turning the vision into reality. The Indian Prime Minister has stated that Baba Guru Nanak was a revered figure not just for Sikhs but for entire humanity.
This comes in sharp contrast with news from across the border where the Indian Supreme Court announced the landmark verdict in the Babri Mosque case. The court ruled that the disputed holy site in Ayodhya should be given to Hindus to build a temple there, while Muslims would be given an alternate plot of land to construct the mosque.
The verdict is a setback for the suppressed Muslim community and communal relations in India. Muslims prayed at the mosque for generations before it was razed by Hindu fanatics in 1992. The Muslim community does not have strength to express outrage or even challenge the ruling, as now a grand temple on which the BJP has campaigned for decades will be built.
This verdict on the opening of Kartapur corridor may be coincidental but has immense significance. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi believes there is a sinister ploy behind the timing of the ruling. He has stated that the BJP is sowing seeds of hatred with its divisive policies. It is also notable that there is no official Indian representation at the inauguration event.
Despite the good news on the border crossing, relations between both countries are strained and there is no back-channel contact either. Nonetheless, Imran Khan seems undeterred. He insists that a leader unites people and not divides; for only when borders are open will we be able to resolve our problems.
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