In a stark demonstration of hostility, India has closed the Kartarpur Corridor, barring Sikh pilgrims from visiting one of their holiest sites, following an unprovoked missile attack on multiple Pakistani cities. On the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, India launched missile strikes on over 20 locations across six Pakistani cities, killing nearly 30 civilians and injuring more than 45 others. This brutal military action by India has once again raised alarms over its disregard for peace and stability in the region.
Pakistan has retaliated with strength, destroying five of India’s fighter jets, including the advanced Rafale, while its forces successfully downed seven Indian drones. This decisive military response illustrates Pakistan’s commitment to defending its sovereignty in the face of Indian aggression.
In an unexpected and politically charged move, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced the indefinite closure of the Kartarpur Corridor, a crucial religious route for Sikh pilgrims. According to Indian media reports, this decision will remain in effect “until further notice,” thereby denying Sikhs their fundamental right to worship at the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.
This provocative action comes in the wake of India’s recent expulsion of Pakistani nationals, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Despite the escalating tensions, Pakistan had made a rare exception for Sikh pilgrims, allowing them to continue their journey in the spirit of religious tolerance. India’s closure of the Kartarpur Corridor signals a deliberate and reckless escalation, further deepening mistrust between the two nations and highlighting its increasingly belligerent stance.
India’s decision to block access to the Kartarpur Corridor represents a cynical attempt to use religious sites as pawns in its broader political agenda. It raises serious questions about India’s commitment to religious freedom and human rights, particularly for minorities, as it continues its militaristic and provocative actions against Pakistan. This latest move underscores India’s role in perpetuating instability in the region, jeopardizing the prospects for lasting peace.
