Anandpur Sahib: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced that a world-class university named after Guru Tegh Bahadur will be established in Anandpur Sahib.

Mann made the announcement while addressing a gathering during an event marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The proposal also follows an earlier appeal by AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, who had urged the chief minister to set up a premier educational institution in the historic town.

Mann further said that free e-rickshaw and mini-bus services will be introduced for devotees visiting prominent gurdwaras in Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district, and Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district. The state government will bear the expenses for operating these services, he added.

He also announced that a heritage street project will be developed in Anandpur Sahib.

These announcements come a day after the Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution declaring Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, and the Amritsar walled city as “holy cities.” Mann had earlier said that meat, liquor, tobacco, and other intoxicants would be banned in these areas.

Punjab is home to five Sikh Takhts, three of which—Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar), Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo), and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib)—are located in the state.

Earlier in the day, Mann and Kejriwal joined devotees at a congregation to pray for the state's progress and the well-being of Punjabis. They participated in the ardas following the bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib held to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Sikh martyrs Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dayala at Gurdwara Baba Budha Dal Chauni.

The Punjab government is organising a series of events from November 23 to 25 to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru.