Congress MP Randhawa writes to PM Modi, seeks Amritsar be declared ‘no-war zone’ (File Photo)Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to declare the holy city of Amritsar as a “No-War Zone” and “work with international bodies to establish enduring protections for it”.Describing it as “a matter of profound spiritual and national significance”, the MP said, “The holy city of Sri Amritsar Sahib, home to Sri Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple), is not merely a geographical location, it is the spiritual heartbeat of the Sikh faith and a lighthouse of love and peace for humanity. Its sacred aura transcends religious boundaries, offering comfort, unity and compassion in a world increasingly torn apart by conflict and division.”“With due respect, I wish to clarify that this appeal is not a request for political sovereignty akin to the Vatican City, but rather a plea for international spiritual recognition and enduring security protections. In an era marked by rising global tensions and militarisation, it is imperative that Sri Amritsar be shielded from the threats of war and violence — now and forever,” the MP wrote.The Congress MP said the universal teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, based on peace, humility and universal brotherhood, serve as a potent moral counterforce to the escalating tide of militarism around the world. “As many global powers lean increasingly toward conflict, the Sikh ethos of ‘Sarbat da Bhala’ (the welfare of all) must be elevated and preserved as one of humanity’s last hopes for coexistence and peace. Recent geopolitical tensions, particularly during the Indo-Pak standoff, have revived legitimate concerns about Sri Amritsar’s potential vulnerability in the event of military conflict,” he said.Randhawa said these concerns, voiced by the Sikh community and civil society alike, necessitate a broader vision, one that goes beyond regional anxieties and calls for an international framework to guarantee the safety and sanctity of this revered city under all circumstances.“For the Sikh faith, Sri Amritsar holds the same spiritual gravity as Mecca to Muslims and the Vatican to Christians. It is, therefore, my humble submission that the global spiritual significance of Sri Amritsar is officially recognised and that appropriate international security mechanisms—akin to those safeguarding the Vatican — be considered and adopted,” he said.He urged the PM “to initiate necessary diplomatic and legislative steps toward declaring Sri Amritsar Sahib a ‘No-War Zone ‘ and work with international bodies to establish enduring protections for this sacred site”.Story continues below this ad“I trust in your wisdom and statesmanship to consider this appeal not merely as a political request, but as a commitment to safeguarding the soul of a faith and a beacon of peace for all humanity,” the MP added.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd