Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj stages protest near Zero Line after BSF stops religious programme
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj staged a protest near the Zero Line after BSF reportedly stopped a Sikh gathering from reaching the site for an Ardas seeking the reopening of Kartarpur Corridor
Dera Baba Nanak: A religious programme planned near the Zero Line along the India-Pakistan border faced disruption on Monday after the Border Security Force (BSF) reportedly stopped a Sikh gathering led by Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj from reaching the designated spot.
The Sikh sangat had planned to hold a collective Ardas for the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor, with devotees on both sides of the international border scheduled to participate in separate religious programmes.
According to organisers, a Nagar Kirtan travelled from Kartarpur Sahib to the Zero Line, where Rehras Sahib, Gurbani Kirtan and Aarti were scheduled to be held. The programme was to conclude with an Ardas before Guru Sahib, seeking the early reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor.
However, the gathering was not allowed to proceed to the Zero Line. BSF personnel cited protocol-related restrictions while denying permission, according to those present at the site.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj was seen engaging in a heated exchange with BSF officials following the denial. Subsequently, he staged a protest near the Zero Line and expressed his displeasure over the decision.
Organisers said the BSF had been informed about the proposed religious programme in advance, but permission was denied at the spot.
The planned Ardas was intended to highlight the Sikh community’s demand for the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor, which provides access from India to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, a major Sikh pilgrimage site associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Sikh devotees from Dera Baba Nanak and adjoining border areas had been urged to reach the Zero Line at around 5.30 pm to participate in the religious programme.
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The incident has also triggered criticism from Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and members of the Sikh community, who alleged that their religious sentiments were being overlooked. Meanwhile, the BSF's stated position at the spot was that the restrictions were related to protocol.