Jalandhar: Commercial establishments and markets across Jalandhar remained closed during a day-long shutdown called by Ambedkarite, Dalit, and social organisations to protest the desecration of a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Ludhiana. Activists from multiple political groups staged demonstrations and sit-ins across the district, criticizing the administration over security arrangements and law enforcement.
Bahujan Samaj Party state president Avatar Singh Karimpuri maintained that repeated incidents point to ongoing administrative gaps and reflect a lack of deterrence against such acts. Local representatives urged both central and state authorities to take prompt punitive action against the culprits.
During the protests, delegations submitted formal memorandums to the Deputy Commissioner and the Police Commissioner, seeking permanent protective measures. The demands included round-the-clock monitoring, immediate installation of surveillance cameras around public statues, and heightened security at sensitive religious and civic locations.
