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Handshake Of Terror? Kartarpur Ceremony Marred By Khalistani Separatist Leader Greeting Pakistan PM, Army Chief
Swarajya Staff
Nov 29, 2018, 01:22 PM | Updated 01:22 PM IST
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In a shocking turn of events, a prominent pro-Khalistan leader, Gopal Singh Chawla, present at the Kartarpur Sahib groundbreaking ceremony, was seen shaking hands with the Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan.
On the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev’s 549th birthday, over 3000 Sikh Jathas marched across the Attari-Wagah border to celebrate the auspicious occasion at Dera Kartarpur Sahib. They were welcomed with pro-Khalistan posters which were opposed by the Indian Sikh Jathas.
Gopal Singh Chawla, according to a Pakistan official, is a senior leader of Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (PSGPC). Singh is infamously known for his pro-Khalistan agenda.
"Indian media taking a myopic view is selectively showing Mr Gopal Singh meeting COAS. Army Chief met all guests at the venue irrespective of identity. A peace initiative should not be subjected to propaganda," ISPR DG Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor tweeted, as reported by New Indian Express.
To add to this controversy, Congress Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu was also seen with Mr Gopal Singh Chawla. Sidhu’s previous comments like that about Pakistani PM being an angel have created controversy . Post Amritsar Grenade attack, ignoring Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s request for reconsideration, Sidhu visited Pakistan to attend the ceremony.
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