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Valmiki Community Declares Punjab Bandh, Jalandhar Markets Shut, Schools Closed
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 27 Jul 2026, 06:04 PM
👁 2
The Valmiki community staged a bandh across Punjab, shutting down markets and schools in Jalandhar, while protests continued in Ludhiana.
On Thursday, members of the Valmiki community called for a bandh across Punjab, leading to the closure of markets and schools in Jalandhar. The shutdown disrupted daily commerce and forced students to miss classes, according to local authorities.
Protesters gathered in front of municipal offices and market stalls, chanting slogans demanding better social and economic rights for the community. While the bandh was largely observed in Jalandhar, smaller demonstrations were reported in Ludhiana, where participants also voiced grievances.
Police deployed additional personnel to maintain order and prevent clashes. The Punjab government urged calm and announced that it would engage with community leaders to address the underlying issues.
As of now, markets have begun reopening in the evening, but many shops remain closed until the end of the day. Schools in Jalandhar are scheduled to resume classes tomorrow, pending a final review by the education department.
Protesters gathered in front of municipal offices and market stalls, chanting slogans demanding better social and economic rights for the community. While the bandh was largely observed in Jalandhar, smaller demonstrations were reported in Ludhiana, where participants also voiced grievances.
Police deployed additional personnel to maintain order and prevent clashes. The Punjab government urged calm and announced that it would engage with community leaders to address the underlying issues.
As of now, markets have begun reopening in the evening, but many shops remain closed until the end of the day. Schools in Jalandhar are scheduled to resume classes tomorrow, pending a final review by the education department.