Chandigarh।
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has called upon the Union government to reopen the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and ensure regular, convenient and uninterrupted access for Sikh devotees seeking to pay obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan. Emphasising that religious sentiments must be respected beyond political differences, Mann said matters of faith should not become entangled in narrow political considerations.
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha also urged the Centre to take immediate steps to facilitate the reopening of the corridor, simplify the pilgrimage process and ensure that the Sikh Sangat can fulfil its spiritual aspirations without unnecessary obstacles.
Addressing the Assembly, Mann stressed that devotees should be able to visit the revered shrine without their religious aspirations being affected by political disagreements. He maintained that religious devotion deserves respect and that the corridor should function in a manner that enables pilgrims to undertake the journey with ease.
The resolution was moved by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and invoked the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, particularly the principle of *Sarbat da Bhala*—the welfare of all. It emphasised that the Kartarpur Corridor represents far more than a route connecting two countries; it holds deep spiritual and historical significance for Sikhs across the world.
The Assembly called upon the Union government to initiate appropriate steps to restore regular access through the corridor and engage with the government of Pakistan to facilitate safe and smooth movement of pilgrims. It also sought the simplification of registration and travel procedures so that devotees can undertake the pilgrimage without avoidable administrative difficulties.
Particular emphasis was placed on the needs of elderly devotees and people with health or mobility-related limitations. The resolution stressed that arrangements should enable the maximum possible number of pilgrims to visit the sacred shrine and pay their respects.
The Kartarpur Corridor holds exceptional significance for the Sikh community because Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib marks the place associated with the final years of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. For devotees, the pilgrimage offers an opportunity to connect with the history and teachings of the founder of Sikhism.
Speaking on the significance of the corridor, Harjot Singh Bains said that Kartarpur Sahib is closely associated with the principles of *Kirat Karo, Naam Japo te Vand Chhako*—earning an honest livelihood, remembering the Divine and sharing with others. He described the corridor as a vital link connecting the Sikh Sangat with the land where Guru Nanak Dev Ji lived and spread his teachings.
The Assembly’s appeal places renewed focus on the need to balance diplomatic and security considerations with the religious aspirations of devotees. While the corridor’s operation depends on arrangements between India and Pakistan, the Punjab government’s position is that practical steps should be taken to make access as regular and convenient as possible.
Mann reiterated that the spiritual sentiments of the Sikh community must be treated with sensitivity and that the corridor should be reopened to allow devotees to visit the holy shrine without hindrance. The resolution urges the Centre to pursue the necessary measures and work towards restoring convenient access for the Sangat.
