Chandigarh, Dec. 16 -- The Punjab government on Monday 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 with...