BSF personnel halted a religious procession at the Kartarpur Corridor on Monday evening, blocking Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and a large group of devotees from reaching the Darshan Sthal (viewing point). The group had gathered at Dera Baba Nanak to offer the Ardas, a ritual prayer for the early reopening of the corridor, while a parallel religious program was underway on the Pakistani side.
Gargaj stated that BSF officers stopped the group well before the designated viewing area, denying even a limited request for five Singhs to proceed. “The very fact that the BSF stopped ordinary Sikh devotees, including children, is painful,” Gargaj said, expressing his frustration at the restrictions.
The Jathedar highlighted a stark double standard, noting that political leaders and VIPs are frequently granted access to the Zero Line while ordinary Sikhs face barriers. “Guru Nanak Dev Ji remains in the hearts of the sangat; no physical barrier can sever this connection,” he said. He accused the security forces of failing to account for the religious sentiments of the community.
Dejected but resolute, Gargaj sat before the blocked Darshan Sthal and began reciting the Rehras Sahib (evening prayer) on the spot. He declared that he would return to Dera Baba Nanak every month to lead prayers for the corridor's reopening.
The Jathedar confirmed he would send formal correspondence to the Central government and relevant departments, demanding a permanent solution to the access issues facing Sikh pilgrims. The next step in this standoff will hinge on whether the government responds to these written grievances or continues to enforce the current access protocols at the corridor.