SGPC Calls for Immediate Reopening of Kartarpur Corridor and Fee Waiver
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has issued a dual appeal to the Indian and Pakistani governments, urging the swift reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor and requesting the elimination of the US$20 fee imposed on pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. This demand comes as the Sikh community prepares for the significant Baisakhi pilgrimage, highlighting ongoing religious and diplomatic considerations.
Religious Sentiments Drive the Demand
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami emphasized on Thursday that this longstanding request from Sikh devotees is rooted in profound religious sentiments and a heartfelt desire to access Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur Sahib, Pakistan. This sacred site holds immense spiritual importance as the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. Dhami stressed that the corridor should be reopened without any further delays to ensure seamless and uninterrupted access for pilgrims, facilitating their spiritual journey.
Preparations for Baisakhi Pilgrimage Underway
Ahead of the Baisakhi celebrations, the SGPC has been actively organizing the pilgrimage process. On Thursday, visa-stamped passports were distributed to devotees at the SGPC office in Amritsar, marking a crucial step in the logistical preparations. The Sikh jatha, or group of pilgrims, is scheduled to depart at 8 a.m. on April 10. Their itinerary includes visits to historic gurdwaras across Pakistan and participation in the Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Baisakhi) events, which commemorate the formation of the Khalsa.
Visa Statistics Highlight Pilgrim Interest
According to official data from SGPC officials, a total of 1,795 passports were submitted this year for visa processing to facilitate the pilgrimage to Pakistan. Of these, an impressive 1,763 pilgrims successfully received visas from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. This high approval rate underscores the strong interest and dedication among Sikh devotees to undertake this religious journey, despite the existing challenges related to corridor access and fees.
The SGPC's appeal not only addresses practical concerns like the fee waiver but also resonates with broader themes of religious freedom and cross-border harmony. As Baisakhi approaches, the committee's efforts aim to ensure that devotees can fulfill their spiritual obligations without financial or logistical hindrances, fostering a sense of unity and devotion within the global Sikh community.
