KARTARPUR— Sikh devotees in Pakistan reached the Zero Line at the Kartarpur Corridor and performed special religious ceremonies, including Ardas, Shabad Kirtan and Aarti.
Meanwhile, security forces on the Indian side stopped Sikh devotees led by the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht from moving towards the Zero Line, according to Radio Pakistan.
Ramesh Singh Arora Highlights Religious Freedom
Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said Pakistan presented the Kartarpur Corridor to the Sikh community in 2019.
He said Pakistan supports the rights and religious freedom of minorities. He also said the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees religious freedom to every citizen.
Sikh Leader Calls for Corridor Reopening
Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib in India, Sardar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, said the Sikh community wants the Kartarpur Corridor reopened for pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.
He said reopening the corridor could help improve relations and create a more positive environment between Pakistan and India.
The Kartarpur Corridor connects Dera Baba Nanak in India’s Punjab with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. It has also been presented by Pakistani officials as a symbol of religious tolerance and interfaith harmony.
