Why in News?
The Indian government has lifted its earlier ban, allowing 2,100 Sikh pilgrims to visit Pakistan, including Nankana Sahib, for Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary celebrations. However, the Kartarpur Corridor remains closed due to security reasons.
Description:
About Kartarpur Corridor:
- Type: Visa-free border corridor between India and Pakistan.
- Location: Connects Dera Baba Nanak (Gurdaspur, India) with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib (Kartarpur, Narowal District, Pakistan).
- Distance: Approximately 4.7 km.
- Inauguration: November 2019, during the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
- River: Located near the Ravi River.
- Purpose: To allow Sikh pilgrims from India to visit one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines without a visa.
Historical Background:
- 1522: Guru Nanak Dev founded Kartarpur and established the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.
- 1947: During Partition, Kartarpur went to Pakistan.
- 1999: Proposal revived during the Delhi–Lahore Bus Diplomacy.
- 2018: Foundation stone laid by both India and Pakistan.
- 2019: Corridor inaugurated jointly by both countries.
Kartarpur Corridor Agreement (2019):
- Signed between India and Pakistan to facilitate visa-free pilgrim travel.
- Allows Indian citizens and OCI cardholders to visit Kartarpur without a visa.
- Pilgrim limit: 5,000 per day.
- Conditions:
- Valid passport required.
- Pilgrims must return the same day.
- USD 20 service fee charged by Pakistan.
- Note: Pakistani Sikhs do not have reciprocal access to Dera Baba Nanak.
Significance:
- Promotes religious tourism and people-to-people contact.
- Serves as a symbol of peace and cultural diplomacy between India and Pakistan.
- Called a “Corridor of Hope” by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
- Boosts local economy and cross-border cooperation in Punjab region.
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