09-MAY-2025,07:15 PM In a move that has drawn significant attention from both sides of the India-Pakistan border, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday announced that services at the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor have been put on hold indefinitely. The decision was revealed during a press briefing in New Delhi, citing security concerns and ongoing regional tensions as the primary reasons for the suspension.
The Kartarpur Corridor, a symbolic route of peace and religious devotion, allows Indian pilgrims to visit the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan without a visa. This unexpected halt, as per Vikram Misri, stems from credible threats and heightened intelligence alerts over the safety of Indian nationals traveling through the corridor.
Vikram Misri Cites Security Concerns Behind the Suspension of Corridor Services
Vikram Misri Highlights Rise in Cross-Border Threats and Diplomatic Strains
Vikram Misri, while addressing journalists, confirmed that India had been monitoring a spike in suspicious activities near the Kartarpur region. He stated that recent drone sightings, intelligence intercepts, and concerns over potential exploitation of the corridor for unlawful infiltration necessitated urgent preventive action.
“While Kartarpur has been a conduit of spiritual connection, our first duty is to ensure the security of our citizens,” said Vikram Misri.
“Until a credible and safe environment is re-established, we have no choice but to suspend the service.”
According to sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian and Pakistani officials were in touch regarding the suspension, and the decision was communicated through diplomatic channels.
What Is the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor?
A Symbol of Peace Now Marred by Geopolitical Tensions
The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, inaugurated in November 2019, connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Gurdaspur district with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan’s Kartarpur. The shrine is believed to be the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, making it a sacred destination for millions of Sikhs globally.
The corridor allowed visa-free access to up to 5,000 pilgrims daily. Managed through a bilateral agreement, it has remained operational despite larger India-Pakistan diplomatic freezes — until now.
Vikram Misri’s announcement marks the first indefinite suspension of the corridor since its opening, sending shockwaves across the Sikh community and drawing mixed reactions from political leaders and international observers.
Vikram Misri Addresses Concerns from Sikh Community
Vikram Misri Promises Review Once Conditions Improve
Responding to concerns raised by Sikh religious bodies and civil society organizations, Vikram Misri clarified that the suspension is a temporary yet necessary measure and not a withdrawal of commitment to religious freedom or diplomacy.
“We are mindful of the spiritual importance of Kartarpur for the Sikh community,” Vikram Misri said.
“But until we can ensure safe passage without the risk of terror elements taking advantage of the corridor, we must prioritize national security.”
He further assured that regular evaluations will be conducted, and the corridor could be reopened as soon as “situation-specific thresholds” are met.
Political Reactions Pour In After Vikram Misri’s Announcement
Opposition, Sikh Leaders Seek Timeline for Restoration
Leaders from various political factions reacted to Vikram Misri’s statement, expressing disappointment over the suspension while acknowledging the security threats flagged by the Ministry.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal urged the government to expedite negotiations with Pakistan to resume the corridor’s services, especially ahead of important Sikh festivals.
Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu stated, “We respect the government’s concerns, but we demand a transparent timeline and increased cooperation with Pakistan to make the corridor operational again.”
While Vikram Misri refrained from specifying a timeline, he reiterated that the corridor’s long-term viability is a shared responsibility between both countries.
Strategic Context: Why Kartarpur Became a Security Concern
Vikram Misri Warns Against Misuse of Religious Infrastructure
Intelligence agencies have reportedly flagged attempts by anti-India elements to use the Kartarpur Corridor as a covert channel for surveillance and radical propaganda. The region’s proximity to sensitive border zones has long been a point of concern for military strategists.
Vikram Misri mentioned specific intelligence pointing to “unverified individuals” attempting to contact Indian pilgrims during their visits — an act that could endanger both pilgrims and national interests.
Additionally, the corridor’s infrastructure in Pakistan is allegedly not fully equipped with biometric or advanced security screening systems, making it vulnerable to infiltration.
“Spiritual sanctity must not be compromised by political sabotage or terror interests,” Vikram Misri cautioned.
International Reaction and Diplomatic Repercussions
Will This Strain India-Pakistan Relations Further?
The suspension is likely to impact already fragile India-Pakistan relations. Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed “regret” over India’s decision, stating that security concerns could be addressed jointly through bilateral mechanisms.
However, Indian officials, under the guidance of Vikram Misri, maintain that internal security cannot be risked for symbolic diplomacy.
Observers believe that while the corridor has always been a diplomatic exception, its indefinite halt could influence larger regional dialogues — particularly those involving religious freedom and people-to-people engagement.
Vikram Misri Emphasizes Need for Recalibration in Border Diplomacy
A New Framework for Cross-Border Pilgrimages on the Horizon?
The suspension of Kartarpur Sahib services could be a precursor to a broader recalibration of India’s approach to religious and cultural exchanges with neighboring countries.
According to Vikram Misri, the government is exploring advanced security technologies, bilateral intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and multilateral frameworks to ensure that such exchanges are meaningful, safe, and free of exploitation.
This signals the government’s intent to balance openness with caution, especially in a region as geopolitically sensitive as the Indo-Pak border.
Conclusion: Vikram Misri’s Statement Reflects Realpolitik Over Sentiment
The announcement by Vikram Misri to indefinitely suspend Kartarpur Sahib Corridor services underscores the complex interplay of faith, diplomacy, and national security. While it is a painful decision for the Sikh community and devotees, it is rooted in current ground realities that demand vigilance.
As Vikram Misri aptly noted, “The sanctity of pilgrimage cannot be allowed to become a smokescreen for activities that threaten national peace.” The corridor may be shut for now, but hopes remain high that with improved security protocols and sincere cross-border cooperation, it will reopen for the countless faithful who await its revival.
Source : ANI
