Why Did India Close the Kartarpur Corridor?
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Synopsis
In a decisive move, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has closed the Kartarpur Corridor following India's military operation targeting terrorist sites. With rising tensions, what does this mean for pilgrims and the ongoing situation?
Key Takeaways
- The Kartarpur Corridor has been closed indefinitely due to national security concerns.
- Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan in response to a recent attack.
- Approximately 150 pilgrims were affected by the sudden closure.
- The corridor facilitates access to a site of great significance for Sikhs.
- Authorities in Punjab have closed educational institutions along the border.
Chandigarh, May 7 (NationPress) The Union Ministry of Home Affairs declared the Kartarpur Corridor closed “till further notice” following the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terrorist infrastructure sites in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack.
Dalwinderjit Singh, the Deputy Commissioner of Gurdaspur in Punjab, confirmed to the media that the corridor would be closed for the day.
He noted that the district administration had yet to receive directives from the government regarding future operations. Approximately 150 Indian pilgrims arrived at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) to visit the historic Sri Darbar Sahib gurdwara in Narowal district, Pakistan, but were instructed to return home.
The ICP at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district serves as the access point for the Kartarpur Corridor.
“Immigration and defense officials informed us that the conditions are not favorable and advised our return around 11 a.m.,” recounted one of the pilgrims.
This gurdwara holds profound spiritual significance for Sikhs, as it was where Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh guru, spent his final 18 years and ultimately passed away.
Inaugurated on November 9, 2019, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Kartarpur Corridor offers a visa-free passage for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders to visit the gurdwara, situated just 4.7 km from the India-Pakistan border.
Following India's military operations, two international flights bound for Amritsar were rerouted to Delhi, and educational institutions near the Pakistan border were closed in Punjab.
Punjab authorities have announced the closure of all schools, colleges, and educational institutions in areas adjacent to the international border with Pakistan.
While educational institutions in Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts will remain closed for three days, those in Fazilka district will be shut until further notice.
This morning, in a significant military response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, the Indian Army successfully executed Operation Sindoor, striking nine key terrorist targets deep within Pakistan. The operation was conducted with precision, aiming at terrorist infrastructures linked to the groups behind the attack. These strikes were part of India's reaction to the April 22 terror assault that resulted in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepali national in Jammu and Kashmir.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the complex landscape of national security and communal sentiments. The closure of the Kartarpur Corridor marks a significant moment in India's response to terrorism. It underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding its citizens while balancing the spiritual aspirations of the Sikh community.
NationPress
08/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kartarpur Corridor?
The Kartarpur Corridor is a visa-free passage that allows Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India to visit the Sri Darbar Sahib gurdwara in Pakistan, located just 4.7 km from the border.
Why was the corridor closed?
The closure was announced following India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, emphasizing national security.
How does this affect Indian pilgrims?
Indian pilgrims arriving for the pilgrimage were turned away and instructed to return home due to the closure of the corridor.
What are the implications for Indo-Pak relations?
The closure of the corridor may heighten tensions between India and Pakistan, impacting cross-border interactions and the pilgrimage experience for many Sikhs.
When is the corridor expected to reopen?
The corridor will remain closed until further orders from the government, with no specified timeline for reopening.
