ISLAMABAD: Sikhs have demanded immediate removal of the CEO and other management officials of Kartarpur Corridor Project after an immoral video surfaced from Kartarpur that hurt their sentiments.
According to Sikh leaders, all management officials are Muslims who are not familiar with religious spirits of Sikhism.
Meanwhile, the Project Management Unit (PMU) of Kartarpur Corridor dismissed accusations surrounding a purported dance party at Gurudwara Darbar Sahib, refuting claims that surfaced after a video went viral on social media.
A widely circulated video depicted an event seemingly underway at Baba Guru Nanak’s tomb, where meat and alcohol were allegedly being served, causing distress among the Sikh community.
In response, Indian political and religious figures condemned the event, denouncing the presence of non-vegetarian food and alcohol as deeply disrespectful.
Authorities in Kartarpur clarified that the dinner reception occurred approximately two kilometers away from Gurudwara Darbar Sahib, within the Project Management Unit (PMU) complex.
The PMU released a statement affirming that the party aimed to enhance coordination with the relevant department for the project’s second phase but emphasized its location at least two kilometers away from the tomb.
Indian authorities hinted at the potential closure of the Kartarpur corridor amidst heightened tensions with Sikhs, while Pakistan dismissed Indian accusations as attempts to smear Kartarpur’s reputation.
According to a statement, various key government bodies, including Narowal District institutions, the Police, Pakistan Rangers, Tourism Police, Highway Police, Information Department, and media groups, attended the event.
In parallel, Speaker of the Indian Punjab Assembly Kultar Singh Sandhwa visited Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib and met with Head Granthi Gobind Singh.
Baba Guru Nanak’s tomb holds immense reverence within the Sikh community. The previous government facilitated a direct pathway from the Indian border to Narowal, aiming to facilitate Sikh pilgrims’ access.
Following the incident, Indian Sikh leaders demanded an investigation and legal action against those involved.
Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of Shiromani Akali Dal, expressed dismay over the incident, insisting on reporting the violation to authorities, while Marjindar Singh Sirsa expressed concerns about potential disrespectful actions at the Gurdwara complex.
The Kartarpur Corridor, inaugurated on November 9, 2019, on the occasion of Guru Nanak’s 550th Birth Anniversary, holds significant importance in Sikhism as it marks the place where Guru Nanak spent his final years.
