Jalandhar witnessed the impact of a shutdown call on Thursday, with markets across the city wearing a deserted look as most shops remained closed since morning and the shutdown has been called by members of the Dalit community in protest against the desecration of a statue of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in Ludhiana.
The shutdown was announced from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Following the call, several markets in Jalandhar remained closed, while police personnel were deployed at major intersections to maintain law and order and ensure that the situation remained peaceful.
The main protest demonstration in Jalandhar was held at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Chowk.
Members of the organisations involved in the shutdown also visited different markets and appealed to shopkeepers to keep their establishments closed.
According to the organisers, traders at Rainak Bazaar, one of Jalandhar's busiest markets, supported the shutdown. Shopkeepers in other markets also cooperated with the call and kept their shops closed, however, the shutdown was not complete across every establishment. A showroom and a D-Mart store were seen open at Guru Nanak Mission Chowk.
Emergency services have been exempted from the shutdown and hospitals and medical stores were allowed to remain open so that people could continue accessing medical treatment and medicines.
The organisers said they had also decided against blocking highways, keeping in mind the inconvenience that road blockades could cause to the general public.
Rajeev Gora, President of the Bhagwan Valmiki Shakti Kranti Sena (Punjab), and Gaurav Valmiki, President of the Bhim Kranti Sena, said the shutdown would continue until 5 PM. They also stated that government offices and banks would be made to close as part of the shutdown.
Schools and colleges were not officially ordered to close for the shutdown, particularly as students are appearing for examinations, however, some schools independently declared a holiday in view of the shutdown.
Parents at some schools had received messages about the closure late Wednesday night.
The shutdown in Jalandhar comes amid protests over the alleged desecration of a statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar in Ludhiana and the issue has also led to demonstrations and calls for action from members of the Dalit community.
Meanwhile, in Ludhiana, Police Commissioner Swapn Sharma held a meeting with members of the Dalit community at the Police Lines at 11 AM on Thursday and according to the police, an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident.
The police said the matter would be resolved soon and that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty.
In Jalandhar, police deployment continued at key points as the shutdown remained in effect.
The organisers maintained that the shutdown would conclude at 5 PM, while essential medical services continued to operate during the protest.