Chandigarh – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has once again raised a strong demand before the Union Government, seeking immediate reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for Sikh pilgrims. Addressing the media on Monday, Mann asserted that the Sikh community has every right to pay obeisance at its most revered shrines – Sri Kartarpur Sahib and Sri Nankana Sahib, both located in Pakistan – and urged the Centre to allow religious jathas to resume their visits without further delay.
Mann announced that he will soon be formally writing to the Union Government to press this demand. With an emotional tone, the Chief Minister pointed out that for Sikhs across the world, Kartarpur Sahib holds unmatched spiritual significance as it is the place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent his final years.
Drawing a sharp comparison with cricket diplomacy, Mann questioned the Centre’s inconsistent approach towards relations with Pakistan. “If India and Pakistan can play cricket during the Asia Cup, why can’t Sikh devotees be allowed to visit their sacred gurdwaras across the border? Either you open all kinds of ties with Pakistan or shut them completely. You cannot have cricket relations just because the ICC is headed by ‘bade sahib ke ladle’ (favourites of those in power), and at the same time deny Sikhs their fundamental right to perform pilgrimage,” Mann thundered.
The Chief Minister also recalled the deep emotional and historical connect between the two Punjabs – Indian Punjab and Pakistani Punjab – lamenting that despite cultural, familial, and historical bonds, people on both sides are not allowed to meet freely. “While Kartarpur Sahib Corridor remains closed, Sikh pilgrims are not being permitted to visit Pakistan, and trade via Wagah border is also suspended. Yet, trade through Gujarat and Mumbai ports with Karachi is allowed. Does this not clearly expose the BJP’s anti-Punjab and anti-Punjabi mentality?” he questioned.
Mann went further, accusing the Centre of deliberately discriminating against Punjabis. He said the ruling BJP continues to hold a grudge against Punjab and its farmers, who forced the withdrawal of the controversial three farm laws through their prolonged agitation. “Maybe they hate Punjabis because we stood up and protected the nation’s farmers. That is why while aid was rushed to Afghanistan immediately, Punjab, which is India’s food bowl, had to wait endlessly for the Centre’s attention,” he remarked.
Continuing his sharp criticism of the Modi government, Mann highlighted the alleged economic neglect of Punjab compared to other states. “Look at Assam and Bihar. They have been given economic packages worth thousands of crores. What did Punjab get? Just peanuts in comparison – and even that is still pending. But let me assure you, Punjab will not bow down. Punjabis have it in their blood to rise again, to rebuild, to resurrect themselves. That resurgence has already begun,” the Chief Minister asserted with confidence.
Mann’s demand for the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor comes at a time when India-Pakistan relations remain tense in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. However, for the Sikh community, the issue remains one of faith, heritage, and identity rather than politics.
The reopening of the corridor is expected to be a major test of the Centre’s approach towards Punjab’s cultural and religious aspirations, even as opposition leaders and Sikh organisations have also begun amplifying the same demand.
