‘Holy City’ notification: Religious groups warn of protest over non-implementation

Amritsar: Resentment is brewing among several religious and social organisations over the Punjab govt's alleged failure to implement the ‘Holy City' notification for the Walled City in Amritsar, even four months after its issuance.At a joint meeting held here on Tuesday, representatives of multiple organisations, including the Nihang groups, deliberated on launching a pucca morcha (permanent protest) to press for the implementation of the notification in its letter and spirit.Ranjit Singh, president of the Samaj Sudhar Sanstha, Punjab, said the organisations had decided to wait until the festival of Baisakhi before taking a final call. "If there is still no visible action on the ground, we will convene another meeting and formally announce a permanent morcha. The govt should have treated this as a top priority," he said.The Punjab govt, on Dec 15, 2025, issued a notification declaring the Walled City in Amritsar a ‘Holy City', prohibiting the sale and consumption of meat, tobacco products and alcohol within its limits. The move was termed historic, but it soon triggered confusion and debate among the residents and traders within the Walled City.Several questions remain unresolved, including whether bringing such items from outside the Walled City for personal consumption at home would be prohibited. Residents also expressed concern over the possible misuse of the rules, fearing that restrictions could lead to corruption, with banned items being sold covertly at inflated prices.Traders, particularly those dealing in meat and fish, say they are still in the dark. Rajinder Kumar, a prominent fish trader from the Hall Bazar area, said no formal communication had been received from the local administration regarding relocation or alternative arrangements."We have not been told where to shift or how the transition will be managed. If our concerns are ignored, we may be left with no option but to seek legal recourse," he said.With the deadline informally set around Baisakhi, all eyes will now be on the state govt's next move.MSID:: 130258506 413