LAHORE: The Kartarpur Corridor, which connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan with Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in Indian Punjab, has been closed for the fourth consecutive day. Indian authorities cited the reason as floods, preventing hundreds of Indian pilgrims from reaching the revered Gurdwara to pay their respects.

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However, Kartarpur Corridor Management officials assert that there are no signs of floods near the border crossing or the shrine. They demand the immediate reopening of the corridor, stating that water levels have significantly decreased since the initial incident.

Bhai Gobind Singh, the head granthi of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, confirmed that while there was a flood in the Ravi River on July 19, water levels have subsided, and the way to the Gurdwara is clear at present.

The pilgrimage to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib was directed to be closed for three days by Gurdaspur Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal for the safety of Indian pilgrims. However, the closure has extended for an additional day, frustrating the Indian pilgrims who wish to visit the historic site.

The Kartarpur Corridor, which was inaugurated in November 2019, allows 5,000 Indian pilgrims daily to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The corridor plays a vital role in facilitating the religious journey of Sikhs from both countries.

Sikhism holds significant historical and cultural importance in the region, with Pakistan housing approximately 150 of Sikhism’s holy sites, particularly concentrated in Punjab. Gurdwara Janam Asthan (Nankana Sahib), Gurdwara Punja Sahab in Hasan Abdal, and Gurdwara Dera Sahib and Samadhi in Lahore are among the prominent sites visited by millions of Sikh followers from around the world.