The Centre has confirmed that the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor will continue to remain shut, citing the prevailing security situation in the aftermath of the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. The government made this announcement while acknowledging that it has received representations from Sikh religious groups and organisations seeking the corridor's early reopening.
Government Cites Security Situation for Kartarpur Corridor Closure
Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that the "extant security scenario compels the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to remain closed." The minister's response makes it clear that the decision is driven by security assessments rather than diplomatic considerations.
According to The Tribune, the visa-free corridor connecting Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, was closed with effect from May 7, 2025. The closure followed the Pahalgam terror attack and the sharp deterioration in India-Pakistan ties.
Sikh Groups Seek Reopening of Kartarpur Pilgrimage Route
The government's statement comes despite pressure from Sikh religious organisations that have been advocating for the resumption of the pilgrimage route. The corridor holds significant religious importance for Sikh devotees, who use it to visit one of their holiest shrines without requiring a visa.
As reported by Greater Kashmir, the Central Government informed Parliament that the corridor will remain suspended due to the prevailing security situation, despite receiving these representations. The decision underscores the government's priority on national security over other considerations.
"Extant security scenario compels the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to remain closed." — ThePrint
Impact on India-Pakistan Relations and Devotees
The continued closure of the corridor reflects the broader state of India-Pakistan relations, which have been strained since the Pahalgam attack. The corridor, which was opened as a symbol of peace and religious freedom, has now become another casualty of the deteriorating bilateral ties.
For Sikh devotees, the closure means continued inability to access the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, a site of immense religious significance. The government's decision, while security-driven, leaves many pilgrims waiting for normalcy to return to the region.
Our Take: Security Must Prevail, But Dialogue Should Continue
In our view, the government's decision to keep the Kartarpur Corridor closed is understandable given the security environment. The Pahalgam attack was a serious incident, and India cannot afford to take risks with national security. The safety of pilgrims and the integrity of the border must come first.
However, we believe the government should not lose sight of the corridor's symbolic value. It represents a rare channel of people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan. While the corridor remains shut, the government should keep engaging with Sikh religious groups and explain the security rationale transparently. The door for reopening should remain open when conditions improve.
To put it plainly, this is a difficult balancing act. Security concerns are legitimate, but so are the religious sentiments of millions of Sikh devotees. The government's response in Parliament shows it is aware of both — the challenge now is to find a way forward that respects both priorities.