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Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, West Punjab - Pakistan
Gurdaspur, Punjab (KP) – A long unfulfilled dream of the Sikh Nation seems to be nearing reality as plans to build a corridor between Dera-Baba Nanak and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan have begun. Currently, all pilgrims to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib have to obtain visas and travel through Lahore to pay obeisance there. Although the new bus service simplifies the process, having direct access to the shrine has always been a craving for the Sikh community based in Eastern Punjab.
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"...having direct access to the shrine has always been a craving for the Sikh community based in Eastern Punjab"
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Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib is located only two miles from the Indo-Pakistan border, and after conducting feasibility tests, the Sikh Community will have direct access to the shrine. This promise was made by Union Minister for External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee during his visit to Dera Baba Nanak on June 28. Mukherjee held that a team of experts would be sent to Pakistan to conduct the feasibility study for constructing a tarred corridor from Kartarpur Sahib to Dera Baba Nanak. Pranab Mukherjee held that he was fully aware of the reverence of Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib that Sikhs hold in their hearts.
The corridor between Dera Baba Nanak and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib would work to strengthen relations between the two countries and also symbolize peace. The region, which currently does not have strong financial resources, will experience a strong boost as economic activities would rise with increased pilgrimage.
Mukherjee held that after the finalization of the feasibility studies, the project would have to be verified by the Pakistan Government. Mukherjee hesitated to provide any estimate of the dates, but acknowledged that after the approval by Pakistan authorities, the UPA Government will provide all the necessary assistance in the implementation of the project. Mukherjee held that just like the rapid opening of a Pakistan passport office in Amritsar Sahib District, the corridor will be a reality soon.
Even though the corridor between the two countries has been desired, the Sikh Nation must consider this project carefully. While the corridor will provide open access to the historical shrine, it would also grant access to anti-Sikh agencies waiting to infiltrate Sikh institutions in Pakistan. At the same time, the kar-seva organizations must also be watched as they have not only modernized Gurdwara Sahibs across India, but also revamped and erased the entire Sikh History attached to these Gurdwaras. Open access to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib would possibly mean a threat to its already damaged historical and religious facilities.
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