Kartarpur Corridor: Why is Pakistan rigid on charging 20 dollars from Sikh Pilgrims?
In April 2009, Taliban demanded Jizya from Sikhs residing in Aurakzai tribal region. They even acquired some homes and abducted Sikh leader Saiwang Singh. An amount of 50 Million Pakistani Rupee as Jizya tax was ordered by Taliban to be paid by Sikhs. Afterwards Pakistani Government became a mediator and settled this matter in 20 Million Dollars.
The matter didn’t end here, the very next year i.e. in 2010 again 20 Millions were demanded and on not fulfilling this Jizya, 2 Sikhs were murdered. There are many such cases in Pakistan where Hindu and Sikh communities are forced to pay Jizya but due to the censorship of media and corruption in Government, they never come out
What is Jizya?
In ancient times, during the Muslim dynasties, a religious tax Jizya was forced on Non-Muslims. According to this people who didn’t follow Islam were asked to give money to Muslim emperors. It was a medieval tradition but Imran Khan is bringing it back to please radical Muslims.
Kartarpur Corridor and Jizya
In the final draft submitted by Islamabad to New Delhi, regarding Kartarpur Corridor, it has been mentioned that Sikh pilgrims will be charged to use the corridor for visiting our holy place, Kartarpur in Pakistan. India has opposed this decision several times but Imran Khan’s Government refused to change their decision of wants to collect a hefty amount from each pilgrim.
Why Imran Khan who is showing off so much welfare for Sikhs is also silent on this 20 dollar fee? The reason is that Radical Islamist groups in Pakistan have kept a demand to collect this amount as Jizya to continue the work or use of Kartarpur corridor. Pakistan’s economy is low and due to several sanctions these extremist groups are not able to get money from State Government. In such situation Kartarpur corridor has proved to be a golden opportunity for them to get money.
Some people are claiming that this amount is being charged by Sikh organisations in Pakistan for maintenance purpose is completely baseless. Sikh Sangats never charges anything from anyone, whether a Sikh or non-Sikh, to visit their holy places.
Proofs & References:
https://www.dawn.com/news/963964
https://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090417/world.htm#6
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/24/pakistan.sikhs.beheaded/index.html
https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikhs_forced_to_pay_millions_to_Taleban
