Condemning the arrest, protesters burnt an effigy of the Punjab Government.

Acting on a call issued by the Zameen Adhigrahan Sangharsh Committee and the Rural Labour Union in this regard, activists of several organisations - including Kirti Kisan Union, Pendu Mazdoor Union, Democratic Moolaz Federation, Democratic Teachers Front, Democratic Pensioner Front, Doaba Sahit Sabha and Tarkshil Society - held a rally at Gandhi Park, and, later, marched to Banga Chowk, where they burnt the effigy of the state government.

Addressing the gathering, leaders Harmesh Dhesi, Mukesh Kumar, Kulwinder Chahal, Sukhdev Dansiwal, Vinay Kumar, Hansraj Garhshankar, Satpal Kaler, Balveer Khanpuri, Paramjit Singh, Bikkar Singh, Joginder Kullewal, and Khushwinder Kaur said Malaud had been leading a lawful and democratic struggle for land rights in Punjab.

They added that the movement demanded that one-third panchayat land be allotted to Dalits and landless labourers for cultivation, enabling them to grow food for their families and fodder for their livestock.

The speakers said this demand was closely linked to the dignity and economic survival of landless workers, and had mobilised villages across the state.

They alleged that, as the movement gained momentum, the government resorted to repression by arresting its leader. They accused the state government of hypocrisy, claiming that it spoke in favour of labourers in special Assembly sessions, while suppressing leaders on ground.

Several employee and labour leaders demanded Malaud's immediate release, warning that failure to do so would force organisations across Punjab to launch a strong and united agitation against the government.