国际英语新闻:India's former PM leads first Sikh delegation into Pakistan through Kartarpur corridor

NEW DELHI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday led the first delegation of Sikh pilgrims into Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor, officials said.

"The first batch of the Sikh pilgrims today embarked on their journey through Kartarpur corridor," an official said. "Among the top dignitaries is former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh."

The integrated check post at the Kartarpur corridor in Gurdaspur on Indian side was inaugurated by incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a function.

Modi described Kartarpur a holy place filled with the divine aura Sikh Guru Nanak Dev and said the corridor would help thousands of devotees and pilgrims.

According to officials the first batch of Sikh pilgrims include some high profile Indian dignitaries. New Delhi has already asked Islamabad to make adequate security arrangements for important dignitaries that would be part of the first group.

Modi thanked Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan for understanding India's sentiment and allowing the opening of corridor.

"I also thank Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan for understanding India's wishes and turning Kartarpur into reality," Modi in his speech ahead of opening the corridor said.

Following the inauguration of integrated check post, Modi flagged off the first batch of over 500 Indian Sikh pilgrims to Darbar Sahib in Pakistan.

The Kartarpur Corridor provides a visa-free access to Indian Sikhs to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan.