CHANDIGARH, Dec. 22 -- Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced that the state government has issued a notification granting the status of holy cities to the walled city of Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo, and Anandpur Sahib.

In a video message, Mann said, "..government in Punjab has taken a historic decision by issuing a notification to grant Sikh religious cities the status of holy cities. The announcement was made from the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib on the occasion of the state-level function to commemorate the 350th 'Shaheedi Diwas' (martyrdom day) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. I am thankful to the Almighty, who blessed us with wisdom, strength, and the capability to take such a historic decision."

Last month, a resolution was...