Two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's significant visit to Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Amritsar, strong speculation has emerged regarding the potential reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor. This vital passage connects Gurdaspur's Dera Baba Nanak town in India to the revered resting place of Guru Nanak Dev in Pakistan, known as Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.
Renewed Religious Sentiment and Political Speculation
The renewed buzz surrounding the corridor, which was closed shortly after the launch of Operation Sindoor as a security precaution, has reignited powerful religious sentiments among Sikh communities across India and within the NRI diaspora. Many devotees have been persistently demanding its reopening, arguing that the tightly regulated, day-long pilgrimage opportunity fulfilled their deep religious aspirations and spiritual needs.
Infrastructure Readiness and Agency Activities
According to multiple sources, various agencies including the Border Security Force (BSF), customs officials, immigration authorities, and local police have significantly intensified their activities at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Dera Sachkhand Baba Nanak. These efforts are focused on streamlining operations, carrying out essential repairs, and maintaining a state of readiness for the possible reopening of the corridor.
"Recent floods caused significant damage to the ICP infrastructure, including essential equipment, which is now being repaired and reinstalled," revealed an official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Although officials from concerned departments declined to comment officially on record, they acknowledged that activity levels at the border facility have noticeably increased in recent weeks.
High-Level Reviews and Political Implications
Sources indicate that while several agencies have already submitted their assessment reports, a high-level team comprising members from various government departments also visited the ICP in the recent past to review preparedness measures. These developments are being closely monitored in political circles amid growing speculation about a potential policy move regarding the corridor's status.
The timing of these activities, following closely on the heels of the Prime Minister's visit to the region, has added weight to the discussions about the corridor's future. The Kartarpur Corridor holds immense religious significance for Sikhs worldwide, serving as a direct link to one of their most sacred sites while also representing a complex diplomatic channel between India and Pakistan.
