Jalandhar: Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur observed a bandh on Thursday over the alleged desecration of Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue in Ludhiana, where a garland of shoes was reportedly placed around the statue.
In Jalandhar, most shops and markets remained closed from the morning, while banks were also shut. In Hoshiarpur, protesters went around markets and appealed to traders to close their establishments.
The bandh was announced by Rajiv Gora, president of Bhagwan Valmiki Shakti Kranti Sena Punjab, and Gaurav Valmiki, president of Bhim Kranti Sena. They said the shutdown would continue until 5 pm and that government offices and banks would also be asked to remain closed.
However, highways were not blocked to avoid inconvenience to commuters. Medical stores, hospitals and other emergency services were allowed to remain open. Schools and colleges were also kept outside the shutdown in view of ongoing examinations.
Protest held at Ambedkar Chowk
Rajiv Gora said the main protest was held at Dr BR Ambedkar Chowk in Jalandhar. Members of various organisations also visited local markets and appealed to shopkeepers to support the bandh.
He said traders in the busy Rainak Bazaar had already extended their support, while shopkeepers in other markets also cooperated by keeping their establishments closed.
Meanwhile, in Ludhiana, Police Commissioner Swapn Sharma is scheduled to meet representatives of the Dalit community at the police lines at 11 am on Thursday.
Police said efforts were underway to resolve the matter and assured that action would be taken against anyone found responsible for the alleged desecration.
