When 52-year-old Sarbjit Kaur from Kapurthala, Punjab, failed to return from Pakistan on November 13, 2023, after joining a group of 1,992 Sikh pilgrims for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 555th Prakash Purb, no one imagined she’d vanish—not just from the group, but from the faith she’d lived for decades. By mid-November, viral videos and a purported nikahnama surfaced: she had embraced Islam, renamed herself Noor, and married 30-year-old Nasir Hussain from Sheikhupura, just 56 kilometers from Lahore. The twist? She claims she’s known him for nine years. The details are still unclear, but the fallout has rippled across borders, faiths, and bureaucracies.
From Pilgrimage to Public Spectacle
The pilgrimage, organized under the Shromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and led by acting Jathedar Jarnail Singh Gargajj, was part of a rare, government-approved religious tour to Nankana Sahib—the birthplace of Guru Nanak. India had previously blocked such trips over security fears, but in 2023, eased restrictions to foster goodwill. Sarbjit Kaur, a widow living with her father in Malot’s Chhapianwali village, was one of many devout Sikhs making the journey. Her husband, Karnail Singh, has lived in England for over 30 years; they have two adult sons. No divorce papers have been officially filed, yet sources say the marriage was effectively over.
What happened next is where the story fractures. Instead of boarding the return bus on November 13, Sarbjit stayed behind. Indian immigration flagged her absence immediately. Punjab Police launched an investigation. Within days, a video emerged—recorded in a mosque courtyard—where a woman matching her description identifies herself as Noor, speaks fluent Punjabi, and says she chose Islam willingly. "I’ve loved Nasir for nine years," she says. "This wasn’t forced. This is my truth."
Is the Nikahnama Real?
The so-called nikahnama—a marriage contract signed in Sheikhupura—went viral on WhatsApp and Twitter. It lists Sarbjit Kaur’s original name, Nasir Hussain’s details, witnesses, and a date of November 8, 2023. But here’s the catch: no Pakistani court, religious authority, or civil registry has confirmed its authenticity. Punjab Police admit they’ve received copies, but no forensic or legal verification has taken place. "We can’t confirm if this document is genuine or fabricated," said a senior officer. "We’re waiting on mutual legal assistance from Pakistan."
Complicating matters further, another claim surfaced: that Noor was coerced. Anonymous sources allege she was lured by Nasir’s family, pressured into conversion, and threatened with harm to her relatives if she refused. But the video contradicts this. She speaks calmly, smiles, and even jokes with the camera. The emotional tone is one of conviction, not fear.
Why This Matters Beyond One Woman’s Choice
This isn’t just a personal story. It’s a geopolitical fault line. India and Pakistan have a long history of religious pilgrimages being used as diplomatic tools—or as cover for espionage, propaganda, and forced conversions. The SGPC, which only submits pilgrim lists to the government, has publicly questioned why background checks weren’t done. "We’re not intelligence agencies," said a senior SGPC official. "It’s the state’s duty to screen."
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s authorities have been tight-lipped. Indian diplomats at the High Commission in Islamabad are in active contact with their counterparts, seeking access to official records. But Pakistan has not yet released any statement on Nasir Hussain or the marriage. And while India has previously accused Pakistan of "targeted religious conversions" of Hindu women, this case flips the script—now it’s a Sikh woman choosing Islam in Pakistan, and claiming agency.
What Happens Next?
Indian agencies—including the NIA and IB—are now reviewing Sarbjit Kaur’s digital footprint: her phone records, social media activity, bank transactions, and travel history. Authorities are also trying to verify whether she ever legally changed her name in India or filed for divorce. If she’s still legally married, her marriage in Pakistan could be considered invalid under Indian law.
But the bigger question isn’t legal—it’s human. Why did she leave? Was it love? Disillusionment? A search for belonging? Her husband, Karnail Singh, has not spoken publicly. Her sons, now adults, have not been located. The Sikh community in Punjab is divided: some call her a traitor; others whisper she was lonely, overlooked, and finally heard.
Historical Context: Pilgrimages and Politics
Since the 1990s, cross-border Sikh pilgrimages have been a rare bridge between India and Pakistan. The Kartarpur Corridor, opened in 2019, was meant to ease tensions. But every pilgrimage carries political weight. In 2023, Pakistan reportedly denied entry to 14 Hindu pilgrims traveling with the Sikh group—a move seen by many as retaliation. Now, with a Sikh woman converting and marrying in Pakistan, the narrative has shifted from religious harmony to national security.
Similar cases exist. In 2021, a Hindu woman from Rajasthan converted to Islam in Pakistan and married a local man. She returned to India months later, claiming coercion. In 2019, a Sikh woman from Amritsar was detained in Pakistan after allegedly converting and marrying a Pakistani man. In both cases, India demanded her return. This time, there’s no demand—only questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sarbjit Kaur’s conversion to Islam legally recognized in India?
No, India does not formally recognize religious conversions that occur abroad unless they’re registered with local authorities. Even if she legally converted in Pakistan, Indian law still considers her a Sikh unless she files a formal declaration under the Indian Constitution. Her marriage to Nasir Hussain would also not be legally valid in India unless registered under the Special Marriage Act or if she obtains a divorce from Karnail Singh first.
Could this be a case of human trafficking or forced conversion?
There’s no evidence yet to support that claim. While some online posts allege coercion, the video she posted shows her speaking voluntarily, smiling, and expressing agency. Pakistani authorities have not confirmed her whereabouts or condition. Until independent verification is done—through consular access or forensic document analysis—it remains speculative. The Punjab Police are treating it as a missing person case with possible voluntary departure.
Why is the SGPC being criticized in this case?
The SGPC only provided the list of pilgrims to the Indian government—it doesn’t conduct background checks. Critics argue that given the sensitive nature of cross-border travel, especially after past incidents of forced conversions, the government should have vetted individuals more thoroughly. The SGPC’s response—that it’s not their role—has angered some families and community leaders who believe religious institutions share responsibility for pilgrim safety.
What are the implications for India-Pakistan relations?
This case could strain diplomatic ties. Pakistan has long accused India of targeting Muslim women for "love jihad," while India accuses Pakistan of targeting religious minorities. A Sikh woman’s voluntary conversion and marriage in Pakistan could be weaponized by both sides for propaganda. If confirmed as genuine, it might be hailed as a symbol of personal freedom. If proven fraudulent, it could trigger a new wave of suspicion and border restrictions.
Can Sarbjit Kaur return to India if she wants to?
Yes, legally she can. She still holds her Indian passport. India cannot prevent its citizen from returning, even if they’ve converted religions or married foreigners. However, she may face legal scrutiny upon return—especially if her marriage is deemed invalid or if she’s accused of abandoning her family. Her sons and husband may file civil petitions. But her right to return is protected under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Has anyone from her family spoken out?
No. Her husband, Karnail Singh, has remained silent. Her two sons have not been located by media or police. Her father, whose name appears on her passport, has not made any public statement. The silence from her immediate family adds to the mystery—whether it’s grief, fear, or acceptance remains unknown. Without their testimony, the full story may never be known.
