Amarinder seeks release of 1971 war prisoners from Pak

Saturday 09th March 2019 06:45 EST
 

NEW DELHI: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has urged Pakistan to admit to, and release the Prisoners of War (PoW) still in its captivity from the 1971 war. In a chat with the press as part of his tour of the border areas in the wake of the escalating tensions at the LoC, he also urged the Indian government to take up the issue with Islamabad. Captain Amarinder requested the Central government to allow 5000-10,000 pilgrims to cross through every day once the corridor becomes operational.

Speaking about his own family's close connection with the Kartarpur Gurdwara, he spoke about his grandfather Bhupinder Singh who had helped rebuild it after the 1928 floods. Regarding compensation to the people whose land was being acquired for the corridor, the CM said, “The state government will thrash out the matter with the Indian government.” He said he hoped that tensons along the border are resolved soon and Sikhs across the globe get the opportunity to have 'Khule Darshan Deedar' of the historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara with the fast completion of the corridor.

Singh, who went around Haruwal village in Gurdaspur, as part of his tour of the border villages ti instill confidence among the residents, said he would be the first one to cross the border to pay his obeisance at the historic Gurdwara. He assured the residents that there was no need for panic or fear as the armed forces were fully prepared to deal with the situation. He urged the people not to worry and assured them of his government's full support.

He also addressed a gathering at Dera Baba Nanak, and said he was in constant touch with the central government and the state government was well prepared for any eventuality. He also said that even when he had come there as a serving military officer, what struck him the most was the indomitable courage and enthusiasm of the people. Singh also shared a cup of tea with BSF personnel at the BSG border observation post in Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur. He also interacted with Indian Army officers and men at an army camp in the border district of Gurdaspur to boost their morale and appreciated their courage in current stressful times.


comments powered by Disqus



to the free, weekly Asian Voice email newsletter