Decoded: Why Valmiki Samaj calls for Punjab bandh on August 12

New Delhi: Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Minister of the Punjab government, urged the representatives of the Valmiki Samaj to cancel their proposed ‘Punjab Bandh’ agitation on August 12. He promised to arrange a meeting with the state CM Bhagwant  Maan. He also said that this bandh call should be withdrawn in view of the Rakhi festival and the 75th anniversary of independence. As per the information from the Valmiki Samaj, they have called for a bandh starting from 9 AM on August 12, ending at 5 PM.

It is reported that this announcement has been made in the order issued from the Balmiki shrine in Amritsar. The decision was unanimously taken by the senior members of the Valmiki Tiger Force All India and Guru Ravidas Tiger Force Punjab. During the time of the bandh, Punjab will be completely closed.

However, Dhaliwal told the group’s representatives that their memorandum of demand will be forwarded to the CM. He also assured them to solve their problem amicably and reiterated that Mann’s government is committed to working for the betterment of Punjab and its people.

Why band called by Valmiki Samaj

According to the media reports, the group decided to call on a bandh in protest after AAP’s Advocate General Anmol Ratan Singh Sidhu made offendable comments about SC/BC category.

It is said to be that they demanded action against him during the meeting with Kuldeep Dhailwal in Chandigarh regarding the matter but they did not get a positive solution to it.

So far, it is not confirmed whether the group will call off the bandh or not.