CHANDIGARH: The ministry of external affairs on Friday informed the Lok Sabha that “the extant security scenario compels Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to remain suspended”.SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal and AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer had sought to know the reasons for the continued suspension of the corridor, which connects Dera Baba Nanak in India with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev.The corridor enables visa-free, same-day pilgrimage for the devotees.In a written reply, minister of state for external affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, said, “While govt has received representations from Sikh religious groups and organisations regarding the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, the extant security scenario compels the corridor to remain suspended.”Harsimrat Badal and Hayer had asked whether govt was aware that the corridor had been suspended indefinitely.They also sought to know the reasons for the continued suspension, including security threats, cross-border tensions and concerns over its alleged misuse for anti-India activities.The two MPs also asked whether govt had received representations from Sikh community leaders, Members of Parliament and civil society groups seeking the early reopening of the corridor, given its immense religious and emotional significance.The duo sought details of such representations and the steps govt is taking to address security and diplomatic concerns and to engage with the Govt of Pakistan for the safe and timely resumption of the corridor’s services for Indian pilgrims while ensuring that national security is not compromised.
