India willing to engage with Pak on ‘visits’ to religious shrines

New Delhi: The government of India has a 'positive approach' on matters pertaining to mutual visits to religious shrines by people from India and Pakistan and is open to engaging with Islamabad on this. 

"Let me underline that India has a positive approach on this matter and is willing to engage the Pakistani side," MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi told reporters at a virtual media briefing. 

He said, "As you are aware, under the 1974 Protocol between India and Pakistan, visits to religious shrines are being facilitated regularly. There is an interest on both sides to expand the agreed list of shrines and mode of travel. It naturally needs to be discussed under the Protocol."

However, he said, "You are also aware that currently, restrictions are in place on movement and gatherings in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. As the situation normalizes, we expect that this time can be utilized to hold discussions under the bilateral Protocol."

"It is our hope to facilitate the early exchange of visits to all shrines of interest to pilgrims," he added.

On the death of four Indians along the US-Canada border, MEA spokesman Bagchi said, "Our Missions in Canada and USA have been following regularly this tragic case of death of four people whose bodies were recovered near the Canada-US border in Manitoba in Canada on January 19."

"The Canadian authorities have confirmed that all four who perished were Indian nationals who belonged to one family. The next of kin of the deceased have now been informed," he said.

The Canadian authorities have also informed that based on the circumstances, the death of all the persons have been determined to be consistent with exposure to the outdoor elements. 

"Our High Commission in Ottawa and our Consulate General in Toronto are working closely with the Canadian authorities on all aspects of the investigation and providing consular services to the family of the deceased," Bagchi said.