Amritsar, January 28:
The Dalit community has expressed strong anger over the desecration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue on Republic Day in Amritsar. In protest, a shutdown has been announced from 9 AM to 5 PM today in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Moga, Phagwara, Nawanshahr, and Hoshiarpur. Protestors in Ludhiana have blocked the National Highway.
On Republic Day, miscreants attempted to vandalize Dr. Ambedkar’s statue on Amritsar’s Heritage Street. They also set fire to a replica of the Constitution placed near the statue. However, locals apprehended the accused and handed him over to the police.
Jalandhar Sees Total Shutdown
Following the incident in Amritsar, the Ravidassia and Valmiki communities had called for a complete shutdown in Jalandhar. Shops, markets, and businesses in the city remain closed, and the streets are deserted. The shutdown also coincides with the earlier protests by Khalistan supporters on March 25, which had added to the tensions.
The call for the bandh was supported by the Valmiki and Ravidass communities, along with several other social organizations. The impact of the shutdown has been visible since 8 AM. Heavy police deployment can be seen at various intersections to maintain peace. Essential services like medical facilities and university examinations have been kept operational.
Major protests are planned at prominent locations in Jalandhar, including Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj Chowk (Jyoti Chowk), Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chowk (Nakodar Chowk), and Shri Guru Ravidass Chowk. Additionally, all schools in the city have declared a holiday.
Police Ensuring Law and Order
Joint Commissioner of Jalandhar Police, Sandeep Sharma, stated that over 2,000 personnel, including officers, have been deployed across the city to maintain law and order. Police forces are stationed at key points to prevent any untoward incidents. The protests are being held at 11 different locations, and traffic diversions have been implemented to minimize inconvenience for commuters both within the city and on its outskirts.
BJP Plans Peaceful Protest
Jalandhar BJP Urban President Sushil Sharma announced that the party would stage a peaceful protest at Nakodar Chowk at 11 AM against the desecration of Dr. Ambedkar’s statue. He criticized the state government, stating that the law and order situation in Punjab has deteriorated under the current administration. The occurrence of such an incident on Republic Day highlights the government’s failure to maintain peace, Sharma added.
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