Amritsar's Holy City Declaration Faces Mounting Resistance and Confusion
Amritsar: A significant wave of discontent is rising among numerous religious and social organizations in Punjab regarding the state government's apparent inability to enforce the 'Holy City' notification for Amritsar's historic Walled City. This frustration persists despite four months having elapsed since the official declaration was made public.
Organizations Unite, Threaten Permanent Protest
During a crucial joint meeting convened on Tuesday, representatives from various groups, including influential Nihang factions, engaged in detailed discussions about initiating a pucca morcha or permanent protest. Their goal is to compel authorities to execute the notification precisely as intended, without any dilution of its provisions.
Ranjit Singh, who serves as the president of the Samaj Sudhar Sanstha in Punjab, clarified the organizations' strategic approach. "We have collectively decided to exercise patience until the Baisakhi festival concludes," he stated. "Should there continue to be a lack of tangible progress on the ground by that time, we will reconvene and officially declare the commencement of a permanent morcha. The government ought to have prioritized this matter from the outset."
Historic Notification Triggers Widespread Uncertainty
The Punjab government issued a landmark notification on December 15, 2025, designating the Walled City of Amritsar as a 'Holy City.' This directive explicitly bans the sale and consumption of meat, tobacco products, and alcoholic beverages within the area's boundaries. While initially hailed as a historic step, the announcement quickly sowed confusion and sparked intense debate among local residents and business owners.
Several critical questions remain unanswered, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty:
- Whether individuals can bring prohibited items from outside the Walled City for personal use at home.
- Concerns about potential misuse of the rules, with fears that restrictions might foster corruption, leading to covert sales at inflated prices.
Traders Express Frustration Over Lack of Clarity
Business operators, especially those in the meat and fish trade, report being left in a state of limbo due to inadequate communication from officials. Rajinder Kumar, a well-known fish trader operating in the Hall Bazar area, highlighted the absence of formal guidance. "We have received no official information from the local administration regarding relocation plans or alternative arrangements for our livelihoods," he explained.
Kumar further warned, "If our legitimate concerns continue to be disregarded, we may have no alternative but to pursue legal action to protect our interests."
With Baisakhi serving as an informal deadline for government action, all attention is now focused on the Punjab administration's next steps. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Holy City notification can be implemented smoothly or if it will face escalating opposition from both civic groups and the trading community.
