Bandh paralyses life in Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur

The bandh call given by various Dalit organisations got a huge response in Jalandhar, Phagwara and Hoshiarpur on Tuesday. Almost all markets, private offices and educational institutions remained shut in protest against vandalism of Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue in Amritsar.

All major intersections of Jalandhar, including Rama Mandi, Nakodar Chowk and Pathankot Chowk, were blocked by protesters led by Ravidassia and Valmiki leaders. The youth took out marches on bikes across the city, urging people to support the protest.

The District Bar Association had also called for “No work day” in support of the bandh. Government schools and offices, however, remained open. BSP state chief Avtar S Karimpuri led a massive protest in Phagwara.

BJP leaders, including ex-MP Sushil Rinku, ex-MLA KD Bhandari and ex-Mayor Rakesh Rathour, also held a silent protest at Ambedkar Chowk in Jalandhar.

Congress MLA from Adampur Sukhwinder Kotli went to Amritsar to visit the site where vandalism had taken place and to lodge protest against the act.