Punjab schools to close on Aug 9 amidst bandh call by Dalit and Christian communities

Amidst a call for bandh by the Dalit and Christian communities in Punjab, the state government has taken the decision to close all schools on August 9, 2023.

This response comes in solidarity with the widespread protest against ethnic violence and atrocities against women in Manipur.

The Dalit and Christian communities will jointly organise a state-wide bandh on August 9 to bring attention to these critical issues.

To amplify their protest, the Christian Brotherhood held a press conference at the Press Club of Jalandhar and established the Manipur Insaf Morcha, formally announcing the Punjab bandh.

Manipur Insaaf Morcha President Surjit Thapar outlined the plan, stating that the movement in the state would remain suspended from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on August 9.

Considering the potential for unrest and in the interest of ensuring the safety of children, the state government has chosen to keep schools closed on the specified day.

The decision aims to prevent any untoward incidents and protect the well-being of the students.

The underlying cause of this protest is a distressing incident that came to light through a video captured on May 4.

The footage depicted two women from opposing communities in Manipur being paraded naked by a group of men, a deeply disturbing act that triggered widespread national outrage.

This bandh movement is a response to the larger ongoing issue of ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3.

The violence followed a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized by hill districts to oppose the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. With over 160 lives lost and many injured, the call for a bandh resonates as a strong demand for justice and awareness.