Jalandhar Bandh Called for September 10 Following Desecration of Dr. BR Ambedkar Statue in Ludhiana

A call for a total shutdown of Jalandhar city on Thursday, September 10, has been issued by members of the Valmiki community and various Dalit organizations following the desecration of a statue of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar at Jalandhar Bypass Chowk in Ludhiana. Community representatives expressed deep resentment, alleging that a similar act of desecration had previously taken place at the exact same location, yet no concrete law enforcement action was taken. Outraged over the repeated offense, leaders declared that such insults to Dr. Ambedkar would no longer be tolerated. The incident has sparked widespread discontent, prompting Dalit organizations across multiple districts in Punjab to stage demonstrations and issue protest calls. As part of the agitation, the organizing committees have called for a complete shutdown of Jalandhar city tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, to minimize disruption for the general public, essential and emergency services will remain fully exempt from the bandh. Educational institutions including schools and colleges, as well as medical facilities and pharmacies, will operate normally.The decision for the shutdown was finalized during a joint meeting led by Rajiv Gora, President of the 'Bhagwan Valmiki Shakti Kranti Sena Punjab', and Gaurav Valmiki, President of the 'Bhim Kranti Sena'. Demonstrators have demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and strict legal action to prevent similar occurrences.