BSF Stops Akal Takht Jathedar and Sikh Sangat Short of Zero Line

Akal Takht Jathedar Unable to Hand Over Siropaos to Pakistani Panj Piaras

Dera Baba Nanak, 21 September (H.S.): Sikh devotees on both sides of the India-Pakistan border held special prayers on Monday evening seeking the early reopening of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, which has remained suspended for pilgrims from the Indian side since May 7, 2025, following Operation Sindoor.

On the Indian side, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj led a Sikh jatha from Dera Baba Nanak towards the Zero Line. However, Border Security Force personnel stopped the Jathedar and the accompanying sangat some distance before the Zero Line.

The programme was organised following an invitation from the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. On the Pakistani side, a Nagar Kirtan was taken out from Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib, towards the border to mark the Jyoti Jot Diwas of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Sikh devotees from Pakistan participated in the procession.

On reaching the restricted point, Jathedar Gargaj requested BSF officials to allow a five-member Sikh jatha to proceed up to the Zero Line. The delegation intended to hand over a Rumala Sahib for Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Siropaos to the Panj Piaras accompanying the Nagar Kirtan on the Pakistani side.

When permission was not granted, the Jathedar and members of the sangat sat near the BSF barricade. Rehras Sahib was recited, followed by Shabad Kirtan and Ardas.

The prayer sought the early reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, peace between India and Pakistan and restoration of cross-border trade through Punjab.

Speaking to the media, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj said it was not appropriate to prevent Sikh devotees from reaching the Zero Line for Ardas. He urged the governments of India and Pakistan to understand Sikh religious sentiments and take steps for the early reopening of the corridor.

The Jathedar said Sikhs pray every day for Sarbat da Bhala the welfare of all and Monday’s Ardas was also offered for peace between the two countries and restoration of unrestricted access for devotees to Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib.

He also called for reopening cross-border trade through Punjab, saying it could benefit farmers, traders and residents of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and adjoining areas.

Jathedar Gargaj announced that he would visit Dera Baba Nanak every month with the Sikh sangat to offer Ardas until the corridor reopens.

On the Pakistani side, Sikh devotees gathered near the border after the Nagar Kirtan and performed Rehras Sahib, Gurbani Kirtan and Aarti before offering Ardas for the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor. The sound of Gurbani Kirtan and Jaikaras from the Pakistani side could also be heard by devotees gathered on the Indian side.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH