Rise against fascist forces: RMPI

Seeking holy city status for Amritsar, BJP leader Jagmohan Singh Raju, who had dabbled in politics after resigning as the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, renewed the demand by handing over a memorandum to the office of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh.

The former IAS officer and member of the National Minority Commission, Dr Raju intensifying his efforts along with supporters gathered outside the Golden Temple here on Saturday.

Addressing mediapersons, he said it was a matter of utter disappointment for Sikhism and city residents that the sanctity of the world famous Amritsar has not been recognised as a holy city. On the lines of Vatican, Jerusalem and Mecca, the pilgrimage of the Sikhs should also be given this status. Despite reminding the state government from time to time of this move, his efforts have failed to bear fruit.

He said he also put pressure on the Punjab Government through the National Minority Commission, but the attitude of the government in this regard has been disappointing. In the recommendations given to the commission, he advocated for the holy city that there should be a complete ban on the consumption and sale of alcohol and tobacco within a radius of about one mile of the historic gurdwaras of the city. Smoking and drinking alcohol should be banned in public areas. Like October 2, holy days like Gurpurb should be declared dry days.

He demanded that liquor shops should be opened on alternate days. On March 29 last year, Raju had filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court in this matter, on which the Bhagwant Mann government had given an undertaking that the proposal is under consideration.