📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Moheen Reeyad
Politics
Jalandhar shuts down after Ambedkar statue desecrated, BSP blames centre and Punjab govt
✍️ The Tribune
🗓 16 Sep 2026, 04:16 AM
👁 9
Protests over the vandalism of an Ambedkar statue led to a citywide shutdown in Jalandhar, with the Bahujan Samaj Party accusing both the central and Punjab governments of failing to protect the monument.
A large section of Jalandhar came to a standstill after a statue of Dr B R Ambedkar was reported to have been desecrated. Residents and supporters gathered at the site, blocking major roads and halting commercial activity across the city.
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) quickly condemned the act, stating that the incident reflects a broader neglect by the central and Punjab state administrations in safeguarding symbols of Dalit heritage. Party leaders called for immediate action and a thorough investigation.
Local authorities deployed police to contain the unrest and to secure the area around the statue. While the police have not released details about the perpetrators, they confirmed that the shutdown will remain in effect until law and order are restored.
The incident has reignited debates over the protection of historical monuments in Punjab, with political parties and civil society groups urging stricter enforcement against vandalism.
No further incidents have been reported as of now, and officials are monitoring the situation closely.
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) quickly condemned the act, stating that the incident reflects a broader neglect by the central and Punjab state administrations in safeguarding symbols of Dalit heritage. Party leaders called for immediate action and a thorough investigation.
Local authorities deployed police to contain the unrest and to secure the area around the statue. While the police have not released details about the perpetrators, they confirmed that the shutdown will remain in effect until law and order are restored.
The incident has reignited debates over the protection of historical monuments in Punjab, with political parties and civil society groups urging stricter enforcement against vandalism.
No further incidents have been reported as of now, and officials are monitoring the situation closely.