CM Bhagwant Mann Urges Centre To Reopen Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, Keep Faith Above Politics

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday urged the Central Government to reopen the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and ensure regular, uninterrupted access for Sikh devotees visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. He said religious faith must remain above political considerations and that devotees should be able to fulfil their spiritual aspirations without unnecessary restrictions.

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha also passed a resolution urging the Centre to facilitate the corridor’s reopening, simplify the pilgrimage process and ensure safe, hassle-free access for the Sikh Sangat.

Why Has CM Bhagwant Mann Called for the Corridor’s Reopening?

Addressing the Assembly, Mann said matters of faith should not become entangled in narrow political interests. He emphasised that the spiritual sentiments of devotees must be respected and that religious devotion should not suffer because of political disagreements.

“The spiritual aspirations of the people must be respected. There should be no room for petty politics when it comes to religious devotion. The Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor should be reopened so that devotees can fulfil their spiritual aspirations without hindrance,” the Chief Minister said.

He called for measures that would allow devotees to visit the historic shrine and offer prayers without unnecessary obstacles.

What Does the Punjab Assembly’s Resolution Demand From the Centre?

The resolution, moved by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, invoked Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message of Sarbat da Bhala — the welfare of all — while emphasising the religious and humanitarian significance of the corridor.

The Assembly urged the Union Government to take immediate steps to reopen the passage and ensure its regular operation. It also called for engagement with the Pakistan Government to facilitate safe and uninterrupted movement of pilgrims to Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.

The resolution stressed that the corridor represents more than a route between India and Pakistan. It serves as a vital spiritual link for Sikh devotees wishing to visit a place closely associated with the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

How Can Easier Access Help Sikh Devotees?

The Assembly expressed concern that restrictions and interruptions in access had hurt the religious sentiments of Sikhs worldwide and prevented devotees from undertaking the pilgrimage.

It urged the Centre to simplify the procedures required for visits, with particular attention to elderly people and those with health or mobility difficulties. The objective, according to the resolution, is to enable more members of the Sikh Sangat to visit the sacred shrine with greater ease.

The demand also highlighted the importance of maintaining a reliable system that allows pilgrims to plan their visits without unnecessary disruption.

Why Is Kartarpur Sahib More Than a Pilgrimage Route?

Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the deep spiritual significance of Sri Kartarpur Sahib, describing it as the place associated with the foundational principles of Sikhism: Kirat Karo (earn an honest living), Naam Japo (remember God) and Vand Chhako (share with others).

He said the corridor was not merely a passage between two countries but a connection that enables the Sikh community to remain linked to the land where Guru Nanak Dev Ji lived and spread his teachings.

The Punjab Government reiterated its appeal for the Centre to prioritise religious sentiments and work towards restoring regular access to the shrine, enabling devotees to undertake darshan without hindrance.