India has barred Sikh pilgrims from visiting the Kartarpur border, a day after Pakistan reopened the religious hot-spot following improvement in the situation relating to coronavirus.
The border had remained closed since March in an effort to contain the infections and to protect the pilgrims from catching it while fulfilling their religious obligations. It was reopened at the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Punjab's 19th Sikh century emperor, Express Tribune reported.
The border has been reopened with strict adherence to SOPs, such as those related to social distancing, use of sanitisers, and wearing of face masks. However, New Delhi's refusal has deprived the pilgrims from visiting their place of worship.
Meanwhile, the pilgrims felicitated Pakistan's move to reopen the border, while also demanding India to allow the pilgrims to visit their place of worship.
The Gurdwara is situated in the Narowal district and is regarded as one of the most revered places by the Sikh community. According to reports, it was this place where Baba Guru Nanak spent last 18 years of his life.
Prime Minister Imran Khan formally inaugurated the corridor at a ceremony in November last year, thus allowing the pilgrims to visit their religious site without the need to obtain a visa.
The border had remained closed since March in an effort to contain the infections and to protect the pilgrims from catching it while fulfilling their religious obligations. It was reopened at the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Punjab's 19th Sikh century emperor, Express Tribune reported.
The border has been reopened with strict adherence to SOPs, such as those related to social distancing, use of sanitisers, and wearing of face masks. However, New Delhi's refusal has deprived the pilgrims from visiting their place of worship.
Meanwhile, the pilgrims felicitated Pakistan's move to reopen the border, while also demanding India to allow the pilgrims to visit their place of worship.
The Gurdwara is situated in the Narowal district and is regarded as one of the most revered places by the Sikh community. According to reports, it was this place where Baba Guru Nanak spent last 18 years of his life.
Prime Minister Imran Khan formally inaugurated the corridor at a ceremony in November last year, thus allowing the pilgrims to visit their religious site without the need to obtain a visa.