Security Concerns Halt Sikh Pilgrimage to Pakistan, Sparks Political Row

The recent denial of permission for Sikh pilgrims to travel to Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev's birth celebrations has ignited a political dispute. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the decision, contrasting it with the approval given for the Asia Cup cricket match, despite security concerns.

BJP national spokesperson R P Singh defended the move, citing a security threat perception in Pakistan. Singh emphasized that no nation currently proceeds to Pakistan for purposes deemed hazardous and highlighted past dangerous incidents as grounds for caution.

Prime Minister Modi's government, credited with the Kartarpur Corridor's opening, remains firm on protecting Indian nationals. Singh stressed this priority and questioned who would ensure pilgrim safety if an incident arose. The tense discourse unfolds with cross-border terrorism concerns and advice against processing pilgrimage applications.

(With inputs from agencies.)