Footfall dips at Kartarpur amid coronavirus spread

Tribune News Service

Dera Baba Nanak, March 6

The Covid outbreak coupled with a letter of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) questioning the antecedents of two pilgrims, who returned from Kartarpur Sahib, have further hit the footfall at the shrine via the corridor.

The average number of devotees crossing over has plunged to just 200 a day against the intended target of 5,000.

The 4.6-km-long passage, stretching from Dera Baba Nanak till Kartarpur in Pakistan, was meant to facilitate the easy movement of pilgrims. But ever since the corridor was inaugurated on November 9 last year, people have been facing several impediments.

“Coronavirus has had a cascading effect throughout the world. Without doubt, its consequences were to be felt here too, but not much should be read into it. Once it blows over, everything will be back to square one,” said an officer at the Integrated Check Post (ICP).

Officers say people are staying away following the questioning of two Gurdaspur villagers on their return from the shrine.