Chandigarh: The Punjab government has officially prohibited the sale of meat, alcohol, tobacco and other intoxicants in Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo and Sri Anandpur Sahib after granting them the status of ‘holy cities’. The decision has come into force following the issuance of a formal notification by the state government.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, in a video message on Sunday, said that the notification has given legal effect to the government’s decision to accord holy city status to the three revered Sikh religious centres. He recalled that a unanimous resolution was passed last month during a special session of the Punjab Assembly held at Sri Anandpur Sahib to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
On December 15, the state government issued the notification granting holy city status to Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district, and the Galiara area surrounding the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
The Chief Minister said the government will ensure all necessary arrangements for devotees, including e-rickshaws, mini-buses and shuttle bus services, to facilitate smooth movement. He emphasized that strict regulations will be enforced in these cities, while development will be undertaken in line with their religious and cultural significance. Mann extended his congratulations to the Sikh Sangat on the occasion
