Unity: Communities Join Hands in Punjab Bandh Against Manipur Violence

CHANDIGARH: A United front comprising the Valmiki, Ravidasiya, and Christian communities has announced a Punjab Bandh today, in opposition to the recent outbreak of violence in Manipur. As a response to this call for protest, government schools and colleges across various regions have been closed. In the interest of child safety, private schools have also suspended operations for the duration of the bandh. The effects of the strike have been most pronounced in cities like Jalandhar, Barnala, and Gurdaspur, where markets remain shut down.

Proponents of the bandh are resolute in their commitment to peaceful demonstration. Highways are slated to be obstructed during this period, while market activities remain at a standstill. However, essential services such as medical facilities will continue to function, with exemptions granted to ambulances, fire brigades, and military vehicles on active duty.

The epicenter of the protest is Jalandhar, where a substantial rally is set to take place, jointly with a parallel demonstration in Ludhiana. As part of the shutdown, Roadways buses are currently operational, but will be halted at their respective bus stands once the dharna commences. To prevent any potential losses, private bus operators have also refrained from offering services.

The city of Jalandhar is particularly sensitive to the shutdown, leading to heightened security measures. Essential roundabouts, including Kapurthala Chowk, Ravidas Chowk, BSF Chowk, Nakodar Chowk, and BMC Chowk, have been barricaded. Simultaneously, Lambi Village Chowk and Rama Mandi are experiencing roadblocks due to impassioned protestors from the Christian community. They affirm their peaceful demonstrations spanning several days as a response to the ongoing violence.