Punjab Bandh on August 9, 2023: Heavy Force Deployed In Amritsar, Bus And Train Services Unaffected

 Heavy Force Deployed In Amritsar

The Dalit and Christian organizations will plan a state-wide Punjab bandh to raise awareness of Manipur. The Meitei community, which comprises 52% of Manipur's population, sought inclusion on the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, which led to unrest in the state. Following this, Meiti and Kuki community members started attacking one another, which resulted in extensive bloodshed in Manipur. In addition, a major issue in Manipur that has contributed to significant tensions between ethnic communities is a lack of land.

On August 9, 2023, Punjab Bandh Regular Updates: Normalcy is likely to be disrupted today (Wednesday, 09-Aug-2023) as a result of the Punjab bandh statement issued on Tuesday by the Christian community in protest of the Center's purported inability to stop the bloodshed in Manipur. Given that Doaba's dominant Ravidassia and Valmiki populations have expressed support, the bandh's consequences are expected to be felt. According to their notice, protests will take place at nearly all key intersections in cities and satellite towns, and several highways are likely to be closed as well.

image source - themeloader

The bulk of Jalandhar's market organizations have already decided to close their shops. The administration has not proclaimed any holidays at any educational institutions, hence the bulk of school officials are discussing whether to open the schools or not. The Diocese of Jullundur also expressed its continued support for the bandh request. Apostolic Administrator Bishop Agnelo Gracias stated, "The Diocese certainly supports the bandh," given that the situation in Manipur has not yet drastically improved. To ensure the safety of the kids, he also quietly asked every institution to keep the doors locked. At all missionary schools in the state, a holiday has already been declared for tomorrow.

The violence in Manipur has now spread to Punjab, causing unrest and worry across the entire nation. The unrest that began on May 3 has already reached Punjab. A Punjab bandh has been called for for August 9 by the Balmiki Tiger Force, Satguru Kabir Tiger Force, and Ravidassia Youth Foundation, which stand in for the Ravidassia and Valmiki communities. The leaders of the Communist Coordination Committee, the Marxist Communist Party of India-United, and the chairman of the Revolutionary Marxist Party of India demanded the immediate removal of the chief minister of Manipur in a joint statement in order to bring peace and normalcy to the state.

Reason for the 'Shut Down' Call in Punjab Today

The bandh action has been spurred by a bigger, ongoing issue that is related to the ethnic conflict that began on May 3 in Manipur. Rioting followed a "Tribal Solidarity March," which hill districts had organized to counter the Meitei community's desire for Scheduled Tribe (ST) recognition. The demand for a bandh is a resounding cry for justice and increased awareness after more than 160 people were killed and hundreds more were injured.

Bus and train services are unaffected by the Punjab Bandh

Up until 11.00 a.m., the region's bus and train services remained unaffected. There was no evidence of any attempt to interfere with the highways or public transportation.

Heavy Force Deployed In Amritsar During The Punjab Bandh

In response to bandh calls and protests by the local SC and Christian communities over the Manipur issue, the Punjab Police has reportedly dispatched a strong police force to Amritsar in order to maintain a calm and stable situation. The police have placed roughly 100 officers in each zone to maintain peace and order throughout the demonstration. Speaking to ANI, Amristar SP Harjit Singh stated, "We will ensure that no violence occurs during this protest."

Today's Punjab Bandh: Challenges for Travelers

The Punjab bandh is having an impact on Jalandhar this morning. As a matter of fact, after the violence in Manipur, members of the Christian, Ravidassia, and Valmiki communities blocked the city's main route and plaza with a motorbike and a rope, creating significant hardships for commuters. The markets also seem to have completely stopped operating.

Live Bandh Updates for Punjab: Bandh Timings 

The Dalit and Christian groups will hold a state-wide bandh on August 9. They held a news conference at the Jalandhar news Club where they announced the Punjab Bandh and established the Manipur Insaf Morcha. Surjit Thapar, the Manipur Insaf Morcha's president, announced that the demonstration would take place on August 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Today's Punjab Bandh: The Reason for the Strike

This protest is in response to an upsetting incident that was captured on camera on May 4. Two Manipur ladies representing different communities were shown in the video being paraded by a group of people while they were both naked. In reaction to the ethnic violence that began on May 3 in Manipur, the bandh movement was launched.

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