Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Dec 24: The Punjab government’s ban on the sale of meat, alcohol, tobacco and other intoxicants in Amritsar’s walled city, Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo has come into effect following a formal notification issued by the state, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Sunday.
Announcing the decision, Mann said the government has granted holy city status to the three Sikh religious centres, marking what he described as a historic step.
“The government in Punjab has taken a historic decision by issuing a notification to grant Sikh religious cities the status of holy cities,” Mann said in a video message released from Anandpur Sahib.
The announcement was made during a state-level event commemorating the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. “I am thankful to the Almighty, who blessed us with the wisdom and strength to take such a decision,” Mann said.
The chief minister said the move carries special significance as three of the five Sikh Takhts are located in Punjab. “Sri Akal Takht Sahib at Amritsar, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo are situated in Punjab,” he said.
Mann said strict regulations would now apply in the three cities. “In all these cities, the sale of meat, alcohol, tobacco and any intoxicating substances will be completely prohibited,” he said.
He added that the government would ensure facilities such as e-rickshaws, mini-buses and other public transport services for devotees visiting from across the world
