Archive · 10 Sep 2026
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.
Shops and businesses closed in Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. following a bandh call.
Valmiki and Dalit organisations protested the alleged desecration of Dr B R Ambedkar’s statue in Ludhiana.
Protesters marched through Hoshiarpur and held demonstrations in Garhdiwala and Hariana.
Essential services, including hospitals and chemist shops, continued operating during the bandh.
Police were deployed, and officials said the protests remained peaceful despite some road blockades.
- Who
- Valmiki and Dalit organisations, including Valmik Sabha and Sri Guru Ravidas Tiger Force, organised the protests; police monitored the affected areas.
- What
- A bandh and protests were held over the alleged desecration of Dr B R Ambedkar’s statue.
- When
- The bandh was held on Thursday, September 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the statue incident occurred on Tuesday evening.
- Where
- The bandh affected Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar, while demonstrations also occurred in Garhdiwala and Hariana; the alleged desecration occurred at Jalandhar bypass chowk in Ludhiana.
- Why
- Protesters demanded that those responsible be identified, arrested and dealt with strictly after an investigation.
- Bandh timing
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Affected areas
- Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar cities
- Incident location
- Jalandhar bypass chowk, Ludhiana
- Groups involved
- Valmiki and Dalit organisations
- Essential services
- Hospitals and chemist shops remained open
- Police response
- Personnel were deployed at various locations
- Reported situation
- The bandh was peaceful, with no untoward incident reported by officials