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Punjab Bans Non-Veg in Holy Cities, Says "World Doesn't Live by Selling Chicken"

The Punjab government has formally declared Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, imposing bans on the sale of non-vegetarian food, liquor, and tobacco within their limits. Advisor Deepak Bali defended the decision, stating it honors the spiritual legacy of Guru Ramdas Sahib and that the law will be implemented. He dismissed livelihood concerns, suggesting affected vendors find work elsewhere. The notification, approved by the Governor, directs multiple departments to enforce the prohibitions to preserve religious sanctity.

Key Points: Punjab Bans Non-Veg in Amritsar, Other Holy Cities

  • Ban on non-vegetarian food sale
  • Restrictions on liquor & tobacco
  • Formal law to be implemented
  • Defense based on spiritual legacy
3 min read

"Whole world doesn't need to live by selling chicken... law will be implemented": Punjab Tourism Advisor on Amritsar non-veg ban

Punjab declares Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, banning non-vegetarian food, liquor, and tobacco. Official defends move.

"The whole world does not have to live by selling chicken. - Deepak Bali, Punjab Tourism Advisor"

Amritsar, December 29

Amid the Punjab government's decision to ban the sale of non-vegetarian food in Amritsar after the city was accorded sacred status, Advisor to the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department of Punjab government, Deepak Bali, on Sunday defended the move, saying it was taken in reverence to the city's spiritual legacy and the teachings of Guru Ramdas Sahib.

Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Bali said, "This is the land of Guru Sahib. Guru Ramdas Sahib established this city, so it should be said with reverence that we should appreciate that what the governments of the Panth couldn't do, we have done, and these people are with us."

Emphasising the spiritual significance of the city, Bali said that nothing is greater than the Guru. "Nothing is greater than our Guru Sahib. We request that people not be influenced by others. We request that everyone accept this," he added.

Responding to concerns over livelihoods being affected due to the ban on non-vegetarian food, Bali said, "The whole world does not have to live by selling chicken. If they work, they'll find work somewhere else. They can do it outside," he said.

He further clarified that the decision has now been formalised and will be implemented. "This has become a law now, and it will be implemented," Bali stated.

His remarks come after the Punjab government recently formally declared the walled city of Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, and Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) in Bathinda district as Holy Cities of the state, imposing wide-ranging restrictions to preserve their religious sanctity.

An official notification from the Department of Home Affairs, Punjab, stated that the decision has received the approval of the Governor of Punjab. As part of the move, several departments have been directed to enforce prohibitions within the notified limits of the three cities.

According to the notification, the Department of Excise has been instructed to impose restrictions on the sale and consumption of liquor and related products within the walled city of Amritsar and the municipal limits of Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo. The Department of Health and Family Welfare has been directed to issue prohibitory orders on the sale and use of cigarettes, tobacco and other intoxicants in these areas.

In addition, the Department of Animal Husbandry has been requested to impose a ban on the sale and consumption of meat within the notified limits of the holy cities. The Department of Local Government, along with the Deputy Commissioners of Amritsar, Rupnagar and Bathinda, has been asked to take all necessary steps to ensure strict implementation of the orders.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Respecting religious sentiments is one thing, but imposing dietary restrictions by law in a secular country is problematic. What about the food choices of residents and tourists? This sets a concerning precedent. The focus should be on cleanliness and harmony, not bans.
G
Gaurav U
Fully support this move! Amritsar is not just any city; it's the home of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Preserving its sanctity is paramount. Many other holy cities in India have similar restrictions. This is about respecting the Guru's teachings and the city's founding principles. 👏
A
Aman W
The advisor's comment about finding work elsewhere is very disconnected from ground reality. These are people's *rozi-roti*. You can't just shut down someone's business overnight and tell them to go somewhere else. The government should have first created alternative employment schemes.
S
Sarah B
Visiting Amritsar was a profound experience. The spirituality is palpable. While I personally eat meat, I would absolutely respect and adhere to local rules if it helps maintain the sacred atmosphere. However, the transition for local businesses needs to be handled with great care and support.
K
Karthik V
This is about cultural and religious identity. Just as we respect rules in temples and mosques, respecting the character of a holy city is important. The ban on alcohol and tobacco in these areas is also a positive step for public health. Let's see how it is implemented on the ground.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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