“The two Punjabs are the key to peace between India and Pakistan.’’ Standing in the parikrama of the Golden Temple, Chief Ministers Pervaiz Elahi and Capt Amarinder Singh laid out their roadmap for friendship between the two neighbours here today.Moving beyond rhetoric, the CM of Pakistan Punjab announced that Pakistan PM had given the green signal to a shuttle bus service between Amritsar and various destinations in Pakistan, including Lahore, Nankana Sahib and Kartapur. ‘‘Now it’s up to India to do its bit,’’ Elahi declared in chaste Punjabi.Earlier, the Holy City opened its arms to welcome Punjab da puttar — that’s how the ads addressed Elahi — with what old-timers called unprecedented fanfare. Schoolchildren waving flags of India and Pakistan lined the road from Rajasansi Airport to the Golden Temple while college students performed bhangra on roundabouts decorated with flowers and streamers.Allaying SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur’s fears about Sikh shrines in Pakistan, Elahi, who a was study in blue, promised to protect the gurdwaras and their properties. ‘‘We won’t allow anyone to even dare take away a brick.’’He also assured all possible help to Sikh pilgrims who had difficulty in getting visas for visiting Nankana Sahib. ‘‘I will take up this matter with authorities at Islamabad and New Delhi,’’ he said.Elahi, who was accompanied by his wife and sons, said he was overwhelmed by the warm welcome given to him.
