Chandigarh: A major controversy has broken out in Punjab after the Union Home Ministry issued an advisory to states asking them not to allow Sikh pilgrims to travel to Pakistan in November for Gurpurab, citing security concerns. The directive, issued on September 12, has drawn sharp criticism from political parties and Sikh leaders alike.
The advisory—sent to Punjab, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand—comes in the backdrop of heightened tensions with Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The move will directly impact thousands of devotees who traditionally visit Kartarpur Sahib and Nankana Sahib to mark Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary.
The uproar intensified after the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match on September 14, with critics questioning the Centre’s stance of allowing cricket ties while barring religious pilgrimages.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly condemned the advisory, accusing the Central government of “double standards.” Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, he said, “If cricket matches can be played with Pakistan, why are Sikh devotees being prevented from visiting Kartarpur Sahib and Nankana Sahib? Kartarpur and Nankana are sacred centres of faith, not platforms for cricket or business. Politics and cricket can wait, but not devotion.”
Mann further alleged that revenue generated from cricket matches with Pakistan would ultimately fuel “terror and drugs.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to review the decision and demanded the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Sikh pilgrims are desirous of paying homage at Sri Nankana Sahib on this auspicious occasion and not allowing them to do so would hurt their religious feelings. In the wake of the resumption of sporting ties between Pakistan and India, I also appeal for reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor to facilitate pilgrims wishing to pay their respects.”
