Sikh devotees on both sides of India-Pakistan border pray for peace and restoration of access to Sri Kartarpur Sahib

DERA BABA NANAK, September 21 (Nazrana Times)

Report By Ali Imran Chattha

Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, accompanied by a Sikh jatha, reached Dera Baba Nanak on Monday to participate in a prayer programme seeking the early reopening of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. However, Border Security Force personnel stopped the jatha before it could reach the Zero Line. 

The religious programme brought Sikh devotees on both sides of the India-Pakistan border together in simultaneous prayers for the reopening of the corridor and peace between the two neighbouring countries.

Nagar Kirtan Reaches Zero Line on Pakistan Side

The programme was organised following an invitation from the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC). On the Pakistan side, a Nagar Kirtan proceeded from Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib, towards the Zero Line as part of observances connected with the Jyoti Jot Diwas of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Sikh devotees from different parts of Pakistan participated in the Nagar Kirtan. The programme included Rehras Sahib, Gurbani Kirtan and Ardas seeking the early reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. Reporting earlier in the day had confirmed plans for the PSGPC Nagar Kirtan and parallel prayers on both sides of the border. 

Sikh Jatha Stopped Before Zero Line

On the Indian side, Sikh devotees gathered at Dera Baba Nanak following an appeal by Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj and proceeded towards the Zero Line under his leadership.

According to information provided by the organisers, discussions regarding the Jathedar’s proposed visit had taken place with BSF and Punjab Police officials earlier in the day through Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib Manager Rajinder Singh Ruby and Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak Manager Ranjit Singh.

The authorities had been informed that the Jathedar intended to offer Ardas near the Zero Line for the reopening of the corridor, peace between India and Pakistan and the resumption of cross-border trade through Punjab.

When the jatha approached the restricted area, BSF personnel stopped it from proceeding further. Contemporary reporting also says the Jathedar and accompanying devotees were prevented from moving towards the Zero Line. 

Request to Allow Five Sikhs Also Declined

Jathedar Gargajj asked officials to consult their senior officers and permit five Sikhs to proceed towards the Zero Line.

According to the organisers, the group wanted to hand over a Rumala Sahib for Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Siropaos for the Panj Piaras to Sikh devotees participating in the Nagar Kirtan on the Pakistan side. Permission was not granted.

The Jathedar and the accompanying sangat then sat near the BSF barricade and continued the religious programme there.

Rehras Sahib, Kirtan and Ardas Held Near Barricade

Rehras Sahib was recited, followed by Shabad Kirtan and Ardas for the reopening of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and peace between India and Pakistan.

Jathedar Gargajj’s personal assistant, Giani Baldev Singh Bholeke, recited Rehras Sahib, while Jathedar Gargajj performed the Ardas. The sangat raised Jaikaras and Karah Prashad was distributed before the jatha returned. Reporting from the scene separately confirms that Rehras Sahib and Ardas were performed after the group was stopped. 

Across the border, Sikh devotees participating in the Nagar Kirtan also held religious observances and Ardas. Gurbani Kirtan and Jaikaras from the Pakistan side could be heard by devotees gathered on the Indian side, according to the organisers.

Jathedar Calls for Corridor to Be Reopened

Speaking to the media, Jathedar Gargajj questioned the decision to prevent Sikh devotees from reaching the Zero Line merely to offer Ardas.

He urged the governments concerned to respect Sikh religious sentiments and facilitate the early reopening of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.

The Jathedar said the Ardas was also offered for peaceful relations between India and Pakistan and the restoration of cross-border trade through Punjab. He argued that increased cross-border connectivity could benefit farmers, traders and residents of Punjab and neighbouring regions.

He also alleged, citing local devotees, that political and VIP visitors had sometimes been permitted closer access to the Zero Line while ordinary Sikh devotees faced restrictions. This is the Jathedar’s claim; reporting on Monday confirms that he publicly raised the issue of differing access for VIPs and ordinary devotees. 

Jathedar Announces Monthly Ardas at Dera Baba Nanak

Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj announced that he intends to return to Dera Baba Nanak every month with the Sikh sangat to offer Ardas for the early reopening of the corridor.
He also said that whenever the corridor reopens, he intends to join the first jatha travelling to Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib.

The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor has remained closed since heightened India-Pakistan tensions in May 2025. The Jathedar has repeatedly called for its reopening, including during previous religious programmes and his visit to Pakistan. 
 

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