Public support gathered outside Sri Harmandir Sahib with former IAS officer Dr. Raju
Amritsar, The former IAS officer and member of the National Minority Commission, Dr. Jagmohan Singh Raju who is striving to get the status of ‘Holy City’ (Dharam Nagari) for Guru Amritsar intensified his efforts along with hundred of supporters outside Harmandir Sahib on Saturday. Nearly 400 supporters and devotees strengthened this mission and affirmed that they will put pressure on the State Govt favouring the Amritsar for the status of Holy City like other religious cities in the country. Earlier, while leading this campaign, Dr. Raju submitted a memorandum to office of the Shri Akal Takht’s Jathedar Sahib wherein he put forward his demands to which he also consented for this noble cause.
Addressing the media, Dr. Raju said that it is a matter of utter disappointment for Sikhism and city residents that the sanctity of the world famous Amritsar has not been recognized as a holy city. On the lines of Vatican, Jerusalem, Mecca, the pilgrimage of the Sikhs, Amritsar should also be given this status. Despite reminding the state government from time to time his efforts have been failed. He said that he has also put pressure on the Punjab Govt through the National Minority Commission, but the attitude of the Govt 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 Gurudwaras of the city. Smoking and drinking alcohol should be banned in public areas. Like October 2, holy days like Gurpurab should be declared dry days. He also demanded that liquor shops should be opened on alternative days. In this regard, the commission has also issued a notice to the Punjab Govt, on which the Govt has not given any reply. 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 also given an undertaking that the proposal is under consideration. On the basis of the undertaking, the court also disposed of the case. When the Govt did not take any action for the last 16 months, Dr. Raju filed a contempt petition against the Govt. The High Court has directed the Punjab Govt to file a compliance report before December 10.
Raju reiterated that the Govt will have to clarify its stand in this regard. If the Govt ignores this issue, then he will strengthen his campaign with public support.
Amritsar can also be given the status of Holy City on the lines of Haridwar, Ayodhya, Dwarka in the country, where smoking and alcohol can be completely banned around religious places. The state Govt and the municipal corporation can issue an ordinance for this execution.
