Chandigarh, March 16 (IANS): Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday declared the closure of Kartarpur corridor was only a temporary measure in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

At a press conference here to mark his government's three years in office, the Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the corridor, which marks the fulfilment of the long-cherished aspirations of the people to visit the historic Kartarpur Gurdwara in Pakistan, will always remain open, "except during crises".

The decision to close the corridor in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak was a temporary precautionary measure aimed at checking the spread of the deadly disease, he pointed out, adding that there was no question of keeping it shut permanently.

The opening of the corridor had fulfilled the dream of millions of devotees to have 'khulle darshan deedar' of the historic gurdwara and the decision would not be allowed to be reversed at any cost, said Amarinder Singh.

It was his fortune that the corridor had opened during his tenure, said the Chief Minister, adding that his government was fortunate to get the opportunity to celebrate the 550th Prakash Purab of first Sikh master Guru Nanak Dev in a befitting manner.

The Union Home Ministry on Sunday announced closure of the corridor till further orders from March 16.