BSF Halts Sikh Prayer at Kartarpur Zero Line, Akal Takht Jathedar Protests
BSF personnel stopped a planned Sikh prayer at the Kartarpur Corridor's Zero Line, prompting acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj to question restrictions on ordinary devotees.
A planned Sikh prayer at the Zero Line of the Kartarpur Corridor was halted on Monday evening after Border Security Force personnel stopped devotees from proceeding towards the Darshan Sthal, the viewing point facing the shrine in Pakistan.
Acting Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj was among those prevented from moving forward. The Sikh sangat had assembled at Dera Baba Nanak with the intention of offering Rehras Sahib, Gurbani Kirtan, Arti and Ardas at the Darshan Sthal, while Sikh devotees on the Pakistani side were simultaneously holding a religious programme near the Zero Line.
According to the Jathedar, the congregation was stopped well before the viewing point. He said a request to allow even five Singhs to proceed and offer the Ardas was turned down by the BSF.
Expressing his displeasure, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said the devotees had come solely to offer Ardas and seek darshan of Sri Kartarpur Sahib. He described the stopping of ordinary Sikh devotees, including children, as painful.
The Jathedar questioned why ordinary devotees were being held back when VIPs were permitted access to the area. He said the bond between Sikh devotees and Guru Nanak Dev Ji could not be severed by physical barriers, adding that the Guru remains in the hearts of the sangat.
Citing local Sikh devotees, he said political leaders visiting the site are often given VIP facilities and taken up to the Zero Line, while the Sikh sangat faces restrictions. He called the situation unfortunate and urged both the Central and state governments to pay special attention so that Sikh sentiments are not hurt.
After being stopped, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj sat down before the Darshan Sthal and began reciting Rehras Sahib. He said he would visit Dera Baba Nanak every month along with the Sikh sangat to offer Ardas for the early reopening of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
The Jathedar said the matter would be taken up with the Centre and the concerned departments through correspondence, and sought a permanent solution to the difficulties faced by Sikh devotees at the corridor.