Jalandhar, Phagwara Shut Down in Protest Over BR Ambedkar Statue Vandalism Attempt
A complete bandh was observed in Jalandhar district and Phagwara town, located in Kapurthala district, on Tuesday in response to an attempt to vandalize a life-size statue of BR Ambedkar in Amritsar on Republic Day.
Dalit organizations called for the bandh, leading to the deployment of nearly 2,000 police personnel across Jalandhar district, including Kartarpur, Adampur, and Bhogpur.
Protesters blocked key points along the Amritsar-Delhi national highway passing through Jalandhar and Phagwara, forcing police to divert traffic to alternative routes.
Heavy Police Deployment to Maintain Law and Order
Jalandhar Rural SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh and Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma patrolled their respective areas to monitor the situation and maintain peace.
Authorities ensured that law and order remained under control throughout the bandh.
Schools, Offices, and Markets Shut Down
As a result of the protests, all schools, colleges, and both private and government offices remained closed in Jalandhar district and Phagwara. Protesters, however, permitted emergency vehicles such as ambulances to operate freely.
Arrest Made in Vandalism Case
The bandh was triggered by the arrest of Akash Singh, a resident of Dharamkot in Punjab’s Moga district.
Singh was taken into custody on Sunday for allegedly attempting to damage the Ambedkar statue at the Town Hall on Heritage Street, which leads to the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
A widely circulated video showed a man climbing atop the statue using a steel ladder and striking it multiple times with a hammer.
The attacker also caused damage to the Constitution book that is part of the statue. He was later overpowered and handed over to the police.
Legal Action Initiated
Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar described the incident as unfortunate and confirmed that an FIR had been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Authorities assured the public that strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.
Widespread Support for the Bandh
The bandh call received overwhelming support in Jalandhar, Phagwara, and Hoshiarpur.
Almost all markets, private offices, and educational institutions remained shut as a mark of protest against the desecration of Dr. BR Ambedkar’s statue in Amritsar.
Key Intersections Blocked by Protesters
Protesters led by Ravidassia and Valmiki leaders blocked major intersections in Jalandhar, including Rama Mandi, Nakodar Chowk, and Pathankot Chowk.
Youth groups conducted bike rallies across the city, urging the public to join the protests.
Lawyers Join the Protest
The District Bar Association declared a “No Work Day” in solidarity with the bandh. While government schools and offices remained open, their functioning was significantly affected due to the widespread protest activities.
Political Leaders React
Prominent political leaders also joined the protests. BSP state chief Avtar S Karimpuri led a massive demonstration in Phagwara.
BJP leaders, including former MP Sushil Rinku, ex-MLA KD Bhandari, and former Mayor Rakesh Rathour, held a silent protest at Ambedkar Chowk in Jalandhar.
Additionally, Congress MLA from Adampur, Sukhwinder Kotli, visited the vandalism site in Amritsar to express his condemnation of the act and register his protest.
Public Outrage and Demands for Justice
The widespread protests reflect the strong sentiments of the Dalit community and other supporters of Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy.
Protesters demanded strict action against the accused and better protection of monuments that hold cultural and historical significance.
The total bandh in Jalandhar and Phagwara highlighted the deep impact of the vandalism incident and underscored the demand for justice.
Authorities have assured the public of a thorough investigation and strict legal action against the perpetrator.
Meanwhile, the protests served as a strong reminder of the respect and reverence Dr. Ambedkar continues to hold among millions of people in the country.
