Those not part of Indian 'jatha' or whom Pak invites will have to take political clearance: MEA

Those not part of India's official delegation to Gurudwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur Corridor will have to take political clearance as per the normal procedure, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday amidst reports of Pakistan inviting cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu for an inaugural event of the corridor.

India's jatha, whose list the country has shared with Pakistan, includes personalities from different sides of the political spectrum, including Union ministers those from the Punjab government, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing.

Asked if Sidhu was part of the list that has been shared, he did not give a direct answer saying those who are not on the list know that they have to take political clearance.

"There will be no surprises," he said referring to the list of 575 people who will be part of the inaugural jatha to Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor.

"Those whom ...