The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has appealed to the Centre to revisit its decision on keeping the Kartarpur Corridor closed. SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said the issue is deeply connected to the religious faith and emotions of Sikhs around the world.
Dhami made the appeal after Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed Parliament that there was no decision at present to reopen the corridor linking India with Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, in Pakistan.
The SGPC chief said the government should review the matter without delay and take a decision that respects the sentiments of the Sikh community. He said Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, holds immense significance as it is the place where Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji spent the last years of his life and shared the teachings of Kirat Karo, Naam Japo and Vand Chhako.
According to Dhami, visiting the historic shrine has long been a cherished wish for Sikhs and is an important expression of their faith. He said the continued closure of the corridor has caused disappointment and pain among Sikh devotees worldwide.
Dhami also described the Kartarpur Corridor as a bridge of goodwill between the people of India and Pakistan, adding that its religious and humanitarian value should be given due importance.
While recognising that ensuring national security is the government's responsibility, he said these concerns can be managed through proper arrangements without affecting the religious rights and sentiments of pilgrims.
He urged the Centre to put suitable security measures in place, assess the situation at the earliest and allow the reopening of the corridor so that devotees can once again pay their respects at Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur.
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