Kartarpur Corridor Closure Amid Tensions

Context

The closure of the Kartarpur Corridor comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which left 26 tourists dead. India accused Pakistan-based terror groups of orchestrating the attack, prompting a series of diplomatic and military escalations between the two countries.

Operation Sindoor and Military Escalation

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure in mainland Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes reportedly focused on strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, two groups blamed for cross-border terrorism. These actions led to intense cross-border skirmishes, with both sides exchanging artillery fire and reporting civilian casualties.

Closure of the Kartarpur Corridor

• Immediate Impact: On May 7, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered the closure of the Kartarpur Corridor “till further orders.” This sudden move left around 150 pilgrims, who had gathered at the integrated check-post, unable to proceed to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. They were asked to return home after waiting for over an hour, with officials confirming that the corridor would remain closed indefinitely.
• Significance of the Corridor: The Kartarpur Corridor is a visa-free passage that allows Indian Sikh pilgrims and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders to visit the holy Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, located just 4.7 km from the India-Pakistan border. It has been a symbol of religious diplomacy since its inauguration, facilitating thousands of pilgrimages annually.
• Diplomatic and Religious Repercussions: While the Attari-Wagah border and other points of contact were closed soon after the Pahalgam attack, the Kartarpur Corridor had remained open as a gesture towards religious sentiments. Its closure has drawn criticism from Pakistani authorities, who termed it a breach of religious freedoms for Indian Sikhs. Pakistan, notably, has kept its side of the corridor operational, highlighting the unilateral nature of India’s decision.

Border Districts on High Alert

Security Measures Across States

Following the military strikes, border states-Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat-were placed on high alert. Measures include:

• Activation of air defence units and sealing of borders.
• Cancellation of public events and closure of educational institutions in sensitive districts.
• Blackouts were enforced in western Rajasthan districts like Barmer and Jaisalmer to safeguard critical infrastructure.
• Suspension of flight operations at several airports near the border.
• Enhanced patrolling and surveillance by the Border Security Force and local police.

Civil Administration and Public Response

District administrations have issued emergency notifications, postponed exams, and instructed government employees to remain on duty. Hospitals have been asked to stock emergency supplies, and contingency plans for evacuation are in place for vulnerable border villages. Authorities have also cracked down on misinformation and hoarding of essentials to prevent panic.

Broader Diplomatic Fallout

The closure of the Kartarpur Corridor is part of a larger diplomatic standoff. India has suspended visa services, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and withdrawn from the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan has retaliated with trade restrictions, closure of airspace, and suspension of the Simla Agreement.

Conclusion

The shutdown of the Kartarpur Corridor and the high alert in border districts reflect the gravity of the current India-Pakistan standoff. The situation underscores the delicate balance between national security and religious diplomacy, with significant implications for regional stability, cross-border relations, and the Sikh community’s religious rights.

Source: TOI

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. The Kartarpur Corridor has been a symbol of cross-border religious diplomacy between India and Pakistan. In the context of recurring tensions, examine its significance and challenges.

Download as PDF