Amritsar (Punjab), August 14 – During a visit to Amritsar, UK Member of Parliament Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has called for the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor. He emphasized the importance of improved cooperation between India and several countries, including the UK, Canada, the US, and Australia, to tackle challenges faced by the Indian diaspora.
Speaking to journalists, Dhesi shared that he discussed the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor with Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami. He encouraged Dhami to present this proposal to the Indian government, as reopening the corridor would enable many devotees to pay their respects.
The corridor, which provides access to one of the holiest sites for Sikhs, has been closed since May 7, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Dhesi also met Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Chandigarh. He expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Kultar Singh Sandhwan, for the warm welcome he received during the Assembly session.
“I had valuable discussions with various ministers in Chandigarh about the challenges facing Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), particularly the need for more direct international flights from Punjab,” Dhesi noted. He believes that enhancing air connectivity from Amritsar and Chandigarh to the UK and other countries could greatly benefit trade, business, and tourism.
Addressing security concerns impacting business sectors and community gatherings, Dhesi highlighted the need for global collaboration to combat transnational crime. He called for strong action against extortion, urging coordination between Indian authorities and those in the UK, Canada, the US, and Australia, as many individuals are currently experiencing these challenges.
Dhesi also pressed for quick resolutions to land disputes involving NRIs, suggesting that these cases should be settled within a specific timeframe. He informed the Chief Minister about these pressing issues.
On August 10, Dhesi held discussions in Chandigarh with various state leaders to explore ways to advance development, improve regional connectivity, and address the needs of the NRI community. As the representative for the Slough constituency in the UK Parliament, Dhesi met with key figures, including Chief Minister Mann and NRI Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh.
