The Pakistani government and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) have been charging Indian pilgrims $20 and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) pilgrims $5 for visiting Kartarpur Sahib, sparking controversy. This move has drawn criticism as no major Gurdwara worldwide imposes such fees for paying obeisance. The imposition of charges has led to protests among Sikh organizations and devotees who argue that it goes against Sikh ideals.
Many have likened the fee to the historical ‘Jizya’ tax from the Mughal era, where non-Muslims were obligated to pay a levy based on their faith. This action has been condemned as a symbol of religious discrimination and outdated thinking in the 21st century. The editorial in ‘Khalsa Vox’ highlights that religious shrines like Kartarpur Sahib should not be used for military or political purposes, emphasizing the sanctity of the Sikh pilgrimage site.
The editorial stresses that Kartarpur Sahib is a shared heritage of the entire Sikh Panth and humanity, not the property of any government. It calls on Pakistan to abolish the pilgrimage fee, refrain from political propaganda at religious sites, and ensure dignified and respectful visits for devotees. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini praised the Central government’s initiatives for the Sikh community, including the Kartarpur Corridor’s inauguration and enhanced air connectivity to Sikh religious sites.
