Representatives of the Valmiki community appealed to the general public, traders' associations, social organizations, and various sections of society to extend their support by keeping markets closed from 10 am to 5 pm.
Places shut in accordance to the Bandh
Key areas that remain effected due to the Punjab Bandh are Amritsar and Jalandhar. Following the call, markets including Shekhan Bazaar, Kishanpura, and several other commercial areas remained shut today in Jalandhar. Police also set up checkpoints at multiple locations across the city to maintain law and order. Many educational institutions, markets, and commercial shops to be remained closed today but pharmacies to operate to avoid any inconvenience.
Several private schools also remained closed, including Cambridge Innovative School, Innocent Hearts School, DIPS School and MGN School informed parents on Sunday night that classes would remain suspended.
The impact of the bandh was most visible in the Doaba districts of Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala and Nawanshahr, where the Valmiki community has a significant presence
Conversation with SP Aakrishi Jain
Sharing details, SP Aakrishi Jain said that the Valmiki community had announced the bandh and informed the police that they would gather at Bhagwan Valmiki Chowk (Jyoti Chowk) to stage a peaceful protest. In view of this, adequate police personnel have been deployed at the main intersection.
"The police's objective is to ensure that the protest remains peaceful and that no law-and-order issues arise. Representatives of the Valmiki organizations have also assured us that the demonstration will be conducted peacefully," SP Jain said, while appealing to the public to cooperate with the authorities. She said, it is expected that demands of the people are heard as per their rights and also appeals the community and citizens to maintain discipline and justify the peaceful protest. Upon asking about the deployed force at the protest site, it was informed that the police is appointed according to the expected number of people at the protest.
She also remained confident about people supporting the police and maintaining peace in the locality in accordance to the bandh. She said “I am very sure, no unnecessary interruptions will be made during the peaceful protest and law and order would be maintained”
Demands of the community
The Valmiki community leaders have demanded a fair and impartial investigation into the entire incident. They have also sought strict legal action against the police officials found responsible and immediate justice for the affected employees.
Appeal to the public
In view of the Punjab bandh, peaceful rallies have been planned in different districts across the state. The organizers have urged all supporters and members of the public to ensure that the movement remains peaceful and democratic. They also appealed to citizens to cooperate responsibly so that the general public does not face unnecessary inconvenience and law and order is maintained throughout the state.