Tensions Escalate: Kartarpur Corridor Closed After Missile Strikes

The Kartarpur corridor, situated at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district, was closed on Wednesday. This closure followed Indian military missile strikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including key targets in Bahawalpur and Muridke.

These military operations, named 'Operation Sindoor', were carried out in response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, predominantly tourists. The Kartarpur corridor closure prevented pilgrims from accessing the Darbar Sahib gurdwara, a significant site for Sikhs.

The corridor, inaugurated in November 2019, allows visa-free travel for Indian pilgrims to the gurdwara. Typically, up to 5,000 pilgrims cross daily, as per an agreement between India and Pakistan. The recent military activity underscores rising tensions in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)