Anandpur Sahib, Amritsar Walled City, Talwandi Sabo declared ‘holy cities’

The Punjab Assembly on Monday passed a resolution declaring Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar, Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda and the Walled City of Amritsar as “holy cities”.

The decision was taken on a resolution moved by by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during a special Vidhan Sabha session organised to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

With this decision, sale of non-vegetarian food, cigarettes and alcohol has been banned in the designated areas. Further, a Sarv Dharm Committee will be formed to tackle issues related to the holy cities.

Though the Amritsar Walled City had always be known as a Holy City, there was no official order to enforce the spirit behind the decision, said CM Mann.

In case of Talwandi Sabo and Anandpur Sahib, the municipal limits would define the boundaries of the Holy City. The CM said the state government would provide adequate funds and seek grants from the Centre for upgrading facilities in these three holy cities.

While moving the resolution, Mann pointed out that the people had been seeking Holy City status for these towns since decades. He said of five Takhts, three were situated at Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo and Anandpur Sahib. Mann added that these cities were not just religious centers but also a symbol of our civilization and heritage.

“Declaring these as holy cities is an essential step towards ensuring their holistic development. Besides, it will also accelerate religious tourism,” said the CM.

As Mann moved the resolution, Congress MLA Pargat Singh said Amritsar Walled City was already a Holy City. The CM pointed out that there was no official order in this regard. He asked Mann to clarify whether Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo were being designated as “holy cities” or merely “holy corridors”. MLA Pargat said within these corridors, sale of liquor, cigarette or non-veg food was already banned.

BSP MLA Nachhatar Pal said residents of Hoshiarpur, Garhshankar and Balachaur were opposed to Anandpur Sahib being declared as the 24th district. He instead demanded that Ropar district be renamed after Guru Tegh Bahadur.