Kapurthala woman reportedly converts to Islam, marries in Pakistan during pilgrimage
Kapurthala : A resident of Kapurthala, Punjab, who had travelled to Pakistan for religious observances earlier this month, has sparked headlines after reportedly converting to Islam and marrying a local man during her visit.
Sarbjit Kaur, a resident of Amanipur village, had joined a group of pilgrims heading to Nankana Sahib to participate in the celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The 35-year-old woman’s absence was noticed when over 2,000 Indian pilgrims returned to India on Thursday, but Kaur did not arrive with the group.
Reports now indicate that she converted to Islam, adopted the name ‘Noor,’ and entered into a matrimonial alliance with Nasir Hussain, a resident of Sheikhupura in Pakistan. A purported copy of her nikahnama (Islamic marriage certificate) has circulated, confirming the union in the Urdu language.
According to Talwandi Chaudhrian Station House Officer Nirmal Singh, “Sarbjit Kaur, who travelled as part of a jatha to Nankana Sahib, did not return with the group. Police investigations are underway. Three separate cases have been registered at different police stations in Kapurthala in connection with her disappearance.”
The group of pilgrims had crossed into Pakistan through the Wagah border and spent approximately ten days there. Their itinerary included a stay at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore during the final leg of their journey.
Throughout the trip, the pilgrims were accompanied by Indian police officials and personnel from the Pakistan Rangers to ensure safety and smooth conduct of the visit. Pakistani immigration authorities reportedly alerted their Indian counterparts after Kaur failed to report for exit clearance.
Preliminary reports have been submitted to Indian officials, who are now coordinating with local authorities in Kapurthala to gather further information regarding Kaur’s family background and circumstances surrounding her decision to stay back in Pakistan.
Local police have confirmed that inquiries are ongoing, and additional investigations are being conducted to ascertain the full details of the situation. The matter has attracted widespread attention due to the religious and cross-border dimensions involved.
The development has also prompted discussions on protocols for pilgrims travelling abroad and the need for monitoring and assistance for citizens visiting foreign countries for religious purposes. Authorities are urging calm as investigations continue, emphasizing that all aspects of the case will be examined in line with the law.
