Kapurthala Bandh was called by the SC community and other outfits in protest against the vandalism of the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, on Republic Day in Amritsar. On Wednesday, Kapurthala is witnessing a peaceful complete bandh. Since morning, all markets are closed, and the bus stand is also calm, though some schools remain open.
SC leaders had called for the market shutdown the day before. In this regard, religious, social, and political organizations in Kapurthala have prepared a protest march. Later in the day, a protest march will be organized, which will pass through various markets. SC outfit leaders and their supporters are gathering at the Shri Shikhandi Temple in Mohalla Sahriya for the march (while writing).
Meanwhile, in response to the bandh, the police administration has made thorough security arrangements. SP Manjeet Singh informed that more than 200 police personnel have been deployed to ensure safety.
However, during the bandh, emergency services will continue uninterrupted from 9 AM to 5 PM, including medical stores, which will remain open. SC leader Charanjit Singh Hans mentioned that late last night, the district administration was in contact with their leaders to persuade them to call off the bandh. However, as per the instructions of senior leaders in the state, the decision was made to continue the bandh in Kapurthala.
Prominent SC leaders Roshan Sabhrwal, Jia Lal Nahar, and Charanjit Hans shared that after a high-level meeting with religious, social, and political leaders in the city, the decision was made to keep the bandh ongoing in Kapurthala.
The protest is supported by prominent figures such as Jia Lal Nahar, National President of the Valmiki Dharma Yudh Morcha, SAD leader Parmjit Singh, Roshan Lal Sabhrwal, National President of the Valmiki Sangharsh Morcha, Charanjit Hans, District President of the Kamleshwar Valmiki Educational Trust, Komal Sahota from the Valmiki Youth Association, Amandeep Sahota, Punjab President of Bhim Youth Force, and District President Sabi Lankesh, Arun Sabhrwal, and Mahinder Singh.
By Ashishpuri