A statewide Punjab Bandh called by sanitation workers and members of the Valmiki community affected normal life on 30 July 2026, with significant disruptions reported in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, Bathinda, and other districts. Markets and commercial establishments remained closed in many areas, while rallies and road blockades caused traffic disruptions.
Protesters are demanding action over the alleged police lathi-charge on sanitation workers in Barnala, along with fulfillment of long-pending employment and wage-related demands. Police have deployed additional security personnel and appealed to the public to avoid protest-affected routes as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
https://www.bhaskar.com/local/punjab/jalandhar/news/punjab-bandh-ludhiana-jalandhar-protest-valmiki-samaj-strike-138579533.html