Punjab Markets Shut After Ambedkar Statue Desecration Protest

Shops closed in Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar after a statue of Dr B R Ambedkar was allegedly desecrated in Ludhiana.

Valmiki and Dalit groups called for a bandh, which means many businesses stayed shut as a protest.

The bandh took place from 9 a.m.

to 5 p.m.

Protesters marched, raised slogans and held sit-ins.

Some demonstrations blocked roads and affected traffic.

Hospitals and chemist shops stayed open for emergencies.

Police were placed in several areas.

Officials said no major trouble was reported.

Protesters want the people responsible to be identified and arrested.