The World Sikh Chamber of Commerce (WSCC), Punjab, has called for the immediate resumption of international trade through the Attari-Wagah border and the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. In a memorandum submitted to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday, the chamber highlighted the severe economic impact of the prolonged closure of these routes on the border region's economy.
Memorandum Submitted to Governor
A delegation led by Rajinder Singh Marwaha, Chairman of WSCC, Punjab, and Amrinder Singh Kochhar, President of WSCC, Chandigarh Chapter, met the Governor at Punjab Raj Bhavan to present the memorandum. The chamber urged the restoration of trade links with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asian nations, including Iran, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.
Economic Hardships Highlighted
Trade through the Attari-Wagah border has remained suspended for the past seven years, severely affecting the livelihoods of farmers, traders, businessmen, and industrialists, particularly in the Amritsar region. Marwaha emphasized the economic hardships caused by the closure, stating that farmers, transporters, and small industries have been hit hard. He stressed that an early resumption of trade is crucial for reviving the economy of the border region.
Religious and Emotional Significance
The delegation also underscored the religious and emotional significance of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for Sikh devotees worldwide and urged the government to take steps for its early reopening. The corridor allows pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, without a visa.
Governor's Assurance
Governor Gulab Chand Kataria gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised by the delegation and assured them that the issues would be given due consideration. The meeting was described as cordial and positive. WSCC leaders expressed hope that the state and central governments would take concrete steps to address the long-pending demands, which they believe would boost regional connectivity, economic growth, and people-to-people ties.
