Friday, March 24 2006 12:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Amristar: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today(Mar 24, 2006) flagged off the bus service between Amritsar and Nankana Sahib, the birth place of founder of Sikh religion Guru Nanak Dev, declaring that the road link had opened a 'new chapter' between India and Pakistan.

Waiving a green flag, the Prime Minister launched the much-awaited inaugural service of the bus, carrying 40 passengers, shortly before noon amidst cheering by hundreds of people who had gathered here despite rain.

"I am extremely happy to be here in Amritsar on this very important occasion of the launch of a regular bus service between Amritsar and Nankana Sahib. This is indeed a memorable day for Punjab.

"This is a historic day for the entire Sikh Community, both in Punjab and elsewhere. This is a historic day for thePanth. In many ways, it is a historic day for both India and Pakistan," said the Prime Minister, who was flanked by his wife Gursharan Kaur and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

The 130-km road link, connecting the holy sites of the Sikh religion, has been a long-standing demand of people of both sides of Punjab, and the two countries had in January this year decided to begin the service.