Ludhiana observed a bandh on Wednesday in protest against the alleged insult of Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue. The shutdown was called after unidentified miscreants allegedly put a garland of shoes around the statue on Tuesday, triggering anger among members of the Dalit community.
The incident had led to a tense situation in the area for several hours. Police subsequently registered an FIR, while protesters have demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Jalandhar Bypass Turns Into Protest Site
As part of the bandh, members of the Dalit community gathered at Jalandhar Bypass Chowk and blocked the Jalandhar-Panipat National Highway. Protesters initially occupied the service lane before moving onto the highway, disrupting traffic between Ludhiana and Jalandhar.
The blockade has also affected commuters travelling from Amritsar and Jalandhar towards Ludhiana, Patiala, Ambala and Delhi, with traffic congestion reported on the busy route.
Major Impacts of the Bandh
Traffic Disruption on NH-44:
The highway blockade has created pressure on the Ludhiana-Jalandhar route. Commuters heading towards Jalandhar and Amritsar may have to use alternative routes as traffic diversions remain in place.
Movement of Essential Vehicles:
Prolonged congestion on the bypass and highway could affect the movement of school buses, ambulances and other essential vehicles. Protest leaders, however, have appealed to youths not to obstruct essential services during the agitation.
Protesters Raise Two Key Demands
The protesters are primarily demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. They have expressed dissatisfaction over the fact that an FIR has been registered but no arrest has yet been made.
They have also demanded stronger security around the Ambedkar statue, including additional CCTV cameras, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Statue Given Milk Abhishek
Amid the protest, members of the Dalit community performed a milk abhishek of Dr Ambedkar’s statue on Wednesday morning. The symbolic act was followed by demonstrations as protesters intensified their demand for action against those responsible.
Police Scan CCTV Footage
DCP Alam Vijay Singh said an FIR has been registered and police teams are investigating the matter. CCTV footage from cameras installed under the Smart City project is being examined to identify the suspect.
With the bandh and highway blockade affecting traffic, police have also diverted vehicles towards alternative routes to manage congestion and facilitate movement.
Bandh Leaders Appeal for Peace
Dalit leader and former BJP councillor Chaudhary Yashpal, who is leading the bandh, appealed to shopkeepers and industrialists to support the shutdown between 10 am and 4 pm.
At the same time, he urged young protesters to ensure that essential services are not disrupted.
The situation remains closely monitored as police continue their investigation, while protesters maintain that the agitation will continue until the accused is arrested and adequate security arrangements are made around the statue.
