The statement reeked of communal politics. Many Hindus of Punjab and elsewhere venerate the Guru and follow his teachings, and they can be seen offering prayers at any given time of the day, in many gurdwaras across the country. And the Golden Temple remains one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage for most Indians across religious lines. So, the Indian Government put its foot down and got the communal embargo lifted, which allowed both Sikhs and Hindus to visit Kartarpur.

Now, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is playing the communal card again by waiving the requirement of a passport and advance registration only for Sikhs. He may even decide to waive the $20 fee on similar communal lines. While Imran Khan is trying hard to differentiate between Sikh and Hindu devotees of the Guru, what he unconsciously underscores is the Pakistani Islamist antipathy towards other religions. He takes it for granted that no Indian Muslim would want to make the pilgrimage. This is a grave disservice to the memory of the Guru, who had Bhai Mardana and Bhai Bala on his either side. Let Indian Sikh, Hindu and Muslim devotees go as one to offer prayers at Kartarpur Sahib.