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.
The Dalit community had called for the two cities to remain closed from 9 am to 5 pm. Most shops in Jalandhar remained shut from the morning, while protesters also visited establishments that remained open and urged them to close. Similar protests were reported in Hoshiarpur.
Despite the shutdown, there were no reports of arguments, violence or clashes during the protests.
Dalit leaders seek arrests within a week
In Ludhiana, Police Commissioner Swapn Sharma held a meeting with representatives of the Dalit community at the police lines. Community members demanded that the accused be arrested within one week, warning of a larger agitation if the arrests were not made.
Later in the afternoon, BSP workers also staged a protest at Bharat Nagar Chowk in Ludhiana.
Protest reaches Amritsar
After Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur, the protest is now set to spread to Amritsar.
Valmiki community organisations have announced a three-hour road blockade at Bhandari Bridge on Friday, from 10 am to 1 pm. However, the earlier call for an Amritsar bandh has been withdrawn.
Emergency services will continue to operate during the protest.
