Jalandhar, Sept. 11 -- The Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur cities of the Doaba region, home to nearly 45% of Punjab's Dalit population, observed a complete shutdown on Thursday over the recent incident of defacement of Dr BR Ambedkar's statue in Ludhiana.

All business establishments, including markets and shops remained shut in both cities after various Dalit organisations gave the call for bandh from 9 am to 5 pm, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused behind the statue's defacement.

The protesters also blocked traffic on the Dasuya-Hoshiarpur road, causing hardship to commuters.

However, essential and emergency services, including hospitals and chemist shops, continued to function normally. Even schools and colleges remained open.

T...