Chandigarh, Dec. 17 -- The Punjab government has officially granted holy city status to Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo, leading to a complete ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol, tobacco and non-vegetarian food within the municipal limits of these sacred cities.

The decision was approved by the Punjab Governor following clearance by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier announced the move during a special Assembly session held at Sri Anandpur Sahib, one of Sikhism's most revered religious centres.

The three cities, regarded as major seats of the Sikh Takhts, hold immense religious significance. The state government said the decision addresses a long-standing demand of the Sikh Sangat an...