Sikh Devotees Perform Religious Rituals at Kartarpur Zero Line
KARTARPUR: Sikh devotees in Pakistan reached the Zero Line at the Kartarpur Corridor and performed religious rituals, while security forces on the Indian side reportedly stopped a Sikh gathering from proceeding towards the border.
The Sikh community in Pakistan participated in a special Ardas, Shabad Gurbani Kirtan and Aarti at the Zero Line as part of their religious observances.
On the Indian side, security forces reportedly prevented a gathering of Sikh devotees, led by Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib Sardar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, from moving towards the Zero Line.
Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said Pakistan had presented the Kartarpur Corridor as a gift to the Sikh community in 2019 and had consistently advocated the rights and religious freedom of minorities.
He said the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees every citizen the freedom to practice their religion.
Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib Sardar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said the Sikh community wanted the Kartarpur Corridor to be reopened so that devotees could visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.
He said reopening the corridor could help improve relations and contribute to a more positive atmosphere between Pakistan and India.
The Kartarpur Corridor is regarded as an important route for Sikh pilgrims and has been described by Pakistani authorities as a symbol of religious tolerance, interfaith harmony and facilitation of Sikh devotees visiting their sacred sites.
