In a significant decision the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has decided to accord holy city status to towns having all the Takhts viz. Amritsar walled city, Talwandi Sabo and Sri Anandpur sahib.
Announcing this here today while integrating with the media persons, the Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal said that since decades people have been seeking holy city status for these towns. They said that there are five Takhts of Sikhs out of which three Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar), Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda) and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Sri Anandpur Sahib). Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that during the programs dedicated to the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, this special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly is being held on the sacred soil of Sri Anandpur Sahib.
The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that the revered Sikh Gurus have always upheld the ideal of Sarbat da Bhala, the welfare of all. They said that martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji itself was a supreme sacrifice made in defense of human rights. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Guru Sahib had purchased the land here to establish the city of Sri Anandpur Sahib with his own hands adding that Guru Sahib’s only son, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, resided on this sacred land for nearly thirty years.
The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that it was on this sacred land that Guru Gobind Singh ji established the Khalsa Panth to fight against tyranny, oppression, injustice and to defend the nation. They said that three of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s four sons were also born here, whose sacrifices are unparalleled in the history of the world. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that keeping in mind the long-standing demand of the people, and to make this session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly permanently memorable in history, the state government has declared these cities as holy cities of Punjab.
The Chief Minister and National Convener of AAP said that the sale and use of meat, liquor, tobacco, and other intoxicants will be prohibited in these cities to fulfill the long-pending demand of the devotees. They said that these cities are not just religious centers but also symbols of our civilizational heritage adding that therefore, this demand is not confined to any single political party, community, or religion, but rather an essential step toward the preservation and global promotion of our cultural heritage. Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government will ensure holistic development of these cities besides accelerating religious tourism in them.
Earlier, the Chief Minister moved this resolution in the Punjab assembly which was unanimously passed by the Vidhan Sabha adding he said that along with this, an interfaith committee related to all religious institutions in these holy cities will be formed, comprising representatives of all faiths. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government will make dedicated efforts for the development, cleanliness, security, and promotion of religious tourism in these holy cities. He said that for this state government will allocate the necessary budget, and also seek funds from the Central Government as this is imperative to perpetuate the legacy of these towns for our coming generations.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that as a humble tribute to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur sahib ji, the state government has organized a series of events across the state to commemorate their 350th martyrdom day. He said that today’s session was part of these events only adding that the sacrifice made by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was supreme and unprecedented as it was aimed at protecting the religion of others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib made the supreme sacrifice to protect the religious rights of humanity to set an example for the world.
The Chief Minister exhorted the people to follow the path of righteousness in the true tradition of humanity, as propagated by Guru Sahib. He said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji laid down his life in Delhi to protect human rights and religious freedom, a sacrifice unmatched in world history. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Ninth Sikh Guru was a true symbol of secularism, unity, and universal brotherhood, adding that Guru Sahib’s life and philosophy continue to serve as a beacon of light for all humanity.
The Chief Minister said that these functions will continue in coming time too and will be held across the state in the coming years too adding that every year events will be organized to mark the martyrdom day. He said that the sole motive is to perpetuate the glorious legacy of great Guru sahib amongst our coming generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has made elaborate arrangements for facilitating the devotees coming to the holy city for paying reverence.
