Chandigarh: Normal life was affected across Punjab’s Doaba region on Monday as the Valmiki community observed a Punjab bandh in protest against the recent police lathi-charge on sanitation workers in Barnala.
Community leaders had appealed to traders, commercial establishments and educational institutions to remain closed, with the shutdown receiving a significant response across the region.
In Jalandhar, community leaders led by Vipan Sabharwal demanded the dismissal of DSP Satbir Singh, holding him responsible for the police action. The officer has already been placed under suspension.
In view of the bandh, several private schools, including Cambridge Innovative School, Innocent Hearts School, DIPS School and MGN School, informed parents on Sunday night that classes would remain suspended and advised students not to report to school.
The bandh had its greatest impact in the Doaba districts of Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr), where the Valmiki community has a significant presence.
Police remained on high alert across the region to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents during the shutdown.
