A Punjab resident went ‘missing’ earlier this week during a pilgrimage in Pakistan — only to surface days later having converted to Islam and married a local man. Kapurthala resident Sarbjit Kaur had travelled to the neighbouring country earlier this month to attend events related to the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. But she was conspicuous in her absence as more than more than 2000 Indians returned home on Thursday.
According to multiple news reports, the Indian Sikh woman had converted to Islam and married a Pakistani man during the trip. A purported copy of her ‘nikahnama’ (Islamic marriage contract) in Urdu had also surfaced — explaining that Kaur had married Sheikhupura resident Nasir Hussain after converting to Islam and adopting the name ‘Noor.’
What did Indian officials say?
“Sarbjit Kaur, a resident of Amanipur village in Kapurthala, was part of the jatha which went to Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. She did not return. The police are conducting an investigation in this regard…Three cases were registered against her at various police stations of Kapurthala,” Talwandi Chaudhrian Station House Officer Nirmal Singh said on Friday.
The pilgrims had entered Pakistan through the Wagah border check post and spent 10 days in the other country. They stayed at the Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore for the last leg of their journey before returning to India — accompanied at all times by the police and Pakistan Rangers.
Pakistani immigration authorities had informed their Indian counterparts after Kaur failed to report for exit clearance. The police have reportedly submitted a preliminary update to Indian officials for additional investigation. Efforts remain underway to gather additional information about Kaur and her family from her native village.
(With inputs from agencies)
