Archive · 27 Dec 2025
Punjab Begins Shifting Kiosks from Holy Cities
The Punjab government has declared three cities as holy cities.
These cities have important Sikh religious sites.
The government has banned the sale and use of meat, liquor, and tobacco in these areas.
Some people think this is just a symbolic move because these restrictions were already in place.
The government says it will help preserve the cities' heritage and improve facilities for visitors.
There have been similar political moves in the past, like changing election dates for religious events and offering free pilgrimages.
The government has also tried to make laws to protect religious books, but these laws have not been approved yet.
The government has started moving shops that sell meat, liquor, and tobacco from the old part of Amritsar.
Around 150 shops have been identified for this move.
Some traders, especially those in the fish trade, are worried about losing their jobs and businesses.
They want the government to help them find new places to work.
Punjab government declared Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities.
Ban on meat, liquor, tobacco, and intoxicants in these cities to preserve sanctity.
Opposition parties view the move as symbolic, noting existing restrictions.
AAP government revived the Mukhyamantri Teerath Yatra scheme for free pilgrimages.
Government began shifting around 150 temporary kiosks and stalls selling banned items from Amritsar's walled city.
- Who
- AAP-led Punjab government, Sikh organisations, Opposition parties (BJP, Congress, SAD), Amritsar Hotel and Restaurant Association, Fish traders
- What
- Declaration of three cities as holy cities, ban on certain items, revival of pilgrimage scheme, shifting of kiosks and stalls
- When
- Recent decision, with historical context of religious and political activities
- Where
- Punjab, India (cities: Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo)
- Why
- To preserve sanctity, promote heritage tourism, and address religious sentiments
- Cities Declared
- Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo
- Banned Items
- Meat, liquor, tobacco, intoxicants
- Sikh Takhts
- Three of five Sikh Takhts located in these cities
- Government
- AAP-led Punjab government
- Opposition Views
- Symbolic, already existing restrictions
- Pilgrimage Scheme
- Mukhyamantri Teerath Yatra scheme revived
- Anti-Sacrilege Laws
- Multiple attempts, none successful
- Shops Identified
- Around 150 temporary shops and stalls
- Impacted Traders
- Nearly 60,000 people linked to the fish trade