New Delhi, Dec. 16 -- The Government of Punjab has formally declared three regions as Holy Cities of the state - namely the walled city of Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, and Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) in Bathinda district.

With the declaration, heavy restrictions have been imposed across the Holy Cities to maintain their religious sanctity.

A notification dated 15 December from the Department of Home Affairs, Punjab, stated that the decision has received the approval of the Governor of Punjab.

"The Governor of Punjab is pleased to declare the walled city of Amritsar in district Amritsar; the city of Sri Anandpur Sahib in district Rupnagar; and the city of Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) in district Bathinda...