Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu made a triumphant return to India, after visiting Pakistan to lay the foundation of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, on Thursday, November 29. Reportedly, speaking to the gathered public and media at the Wagah Border in Amritsar, right after his return, Sidhu acknowledged that the 71-year wait of Sikhs had finally been become a reality.
He also clarified the controversy surrounding his photo with a known pro-Khalistani activist from Pakistan, Gopal Singh Chawla, saying that he a lot of people clicked pictures with him (Sidhu) and that he did not know “Who was Chawla, who was Cheema.”
Hailing the laying of the foundation stone, Sidhu said, “…You rate ability in men and women by what they finish (and) not by what they attempt.” Continuing, he added, “Today, 71 years’ wait is about to turn into reality. This is a historic step. The thaw has begun, the ice is melting,” reported India TV.
The cricketer-turned-politician also said that he had returned after uniting the hearts of the two Punjabs across the border. “…So, I have returned with this feeling — limitless love, possibility.. I have united the hearts of the two Punjabs.” He continued, “And, with faith and belief, (I) changed reality (with the help) of Baba (Guru) Nanak, with his blessings, with his mercy, with his kindness. I returned after swallowing poison.”
Adding that this had been his wish all along, Sidhu said he hoped one day, both borders would become one. “…In the coming time… it is possible the two borders join together and become one. The border between Ferozpur and Amritsar opens up…this was my endeavour.”
Photo with Pro-Khalistani Activist
When the gathered press asked Sidhu about his photo with Chawla, he said, “The answer is simple. I had my photos taken with five to ten thousand people there (in Pakistan). Who was Chawla, who was Cheema, I do not know.”