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Punjab plans `model city' in Muktsar

Sarabjit Pandher

Amarinder unveils a blue print for developing religious tourism

MUKTSAR: Though they spoke from separately organised conferences, political and religious leaders reached a consensus of sorts to pay glowing tributes on the occasion of the tercentenary of the martyrdom of the 40 "muktas" (liberated ones) associated with the life and struggle of Guru Gobind Singh.

Addressing a State-level function on the occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced that the Government would develop the necessary infrastructure to promote religious tourism in the State.

The Chief Minister strongly defended the Congress's decision in organising the conference on the occasion. He said that today's public function was in line with the celebrations of 500th birth anniversary of Guru Angad Dev, quadra-centennial of installation of Guru Granth Sahib in Harimandir Sahib (Golden temple), and tercentenary of the martyrdom of the `Sahibzadas' (sons) of Sri Guru Gobind Singh last year.

City to be renamed

In an address, which was regularly cheered by a responsive crowd, Capt Singh reiterated his firm resolve that the "holy city'' of Muktsar would be developed on the modern lines and keeping in view of its religious sanctity it would be renamed as Muktsar Sahib on the pattern of Anandpur Sahib, Chamkaur Sahib and Fatehgarh Sahib.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government would create necessary infrastructure and prepare a blue print to bring Muktsar on the map of religious tourism of the country. He stressed the need to develop a religious tourist circuit to enable Punjabis settled in more than 148 countries to keep abreast their younger generations with rich heritage.

Lashing out at the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Parkash Singh Badal, for ignoring the development of Muktsar, Capt. Singh unfolded the development plan the present government had chalked out. He said that a Rs.1.91-crore Mukte-e-Minar was being erected in the shape and design of 60 ft high `Khanda' (type of sword) having 40 rings depicting the supreme sacrifice of each martyr.

Four commemorative gates in the memory of Bhai Mahan Singh, Mai Bhago, Bhai Langar Singh and Bhai Daan Singh were being constructed on the four roads connecting the town, costing Rs. 60 lakhs. A memorial park at a cost of Rs.2 crores was also being constructed.

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Punjab plans `model city' in Muktsar

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