The Delhi-Amritsar National Highway has been blocked near Jalandhar Bypass Chowk in Ludhiana on Wednesday, September 9, following a protest by members of the Dalit community over the desecration of a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar.
The protesters have announced that the highway blockade will continue until 4 PM.
Police have barricaded the roads leading towards and away from Jalandhar Bypass Chowk, affecting traffic movement through the area.
The blockade is causing difficulties for commuters travelling between major cities and towns, including Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Ambala, Karnal and Panipat.
Vehicles approaching the affected stretch are being diverted through alternate routes.
Traffic coming from Jalandhar towards Ludhiana and Delhi is being diverted through the Ladowal Bypass towards South City and from there, vehicles are being routed through the Southern Bypass, passing through Verka Chowk on Ferozepur Road, for movement towards Patiala and Delhi.
Traffic travelling from Delhi towards Jalandhar is also being diverted. Vehicles are being routed through the Southern Bypass from Doraha via Ladowal Bypass and towards the toll plaza, another route to reach Jalandhar is available through Jagraon and Nakodar.
The blockade has resulted in traffic congestion on alternative roads, with commuters facing delays, and some people caught in the traffic jam have reportedly turned back and crossed the road divider to return.
The protest also comes amid a Ludhiana Bandh call given by members of the Dalit community and markets were initially open, but protesters later reached commercial areas and asked shopkeepers to close their establishments.
The protest follows an incident on Tuesday, September 8, when unidentified miscreants allegedly desecrated a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar by placing a garland of shoes around it, and the incident led to tension in the area that continued for around three and a half hours that night.
Following the incident, police registered an FIR. Protesters have said their agitation will continue until those responsible for the desecration are arrested.
Earlier on Wednesday, members of the Dalit community performed a ritual cleansing of the statue using milk.
Police have also installed CCTV cameras around the statue to monitor the area and prevent similar incidents in the future.