Traffic comes to halt in Lutyens' Delhi

New Delhi: Though there were no reports of Dalit protestors going violent in the national Capital on Monday, Lutyens' Delhi came to a standstill as thousands of people gathered at Sansad Marg protesting against the Supreme Court-approved amendments to the SC/ST Atrocities Act, bringing traffic to a halt at many places.

The traffic situation worsened as protesters blocked roads outside Mandi House Metro station. Office goers travelling towards ITO found themselves stuck in jam-packed traffic.

Protesters also blocked one of the carriageways of Barakhamba Road, affecting vehicular movement on the stretch.

It was only around 6.30 pm that Delhi Traffic Police announced that Sansad Marg had been opened for regular traffic.

Earlier, the traffic police had a busy day tweeting about the jams and traffic obstructions across the Capital.

The demonstration had a massive effect on vehicular movements in the heart of Delhi in places like Connaught place, Janpath and Sansad Marg.

Moreover, obstruction was reported from the Shahdara district, where demonstrations affected the carriageway from Karkari More towards Karkardooma, due to demonstration near Dayanand Marg red light.

Traffic police personnel were seen appealing to people to avoid the stretch. The demonstrations also affected areas surrounding the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh borders.

Motorists going towards Kalindi Kunj from Gazipur, Dallupura and DND Flyway were also stuck in serpentine traffic jams, due to the demostration.

Protesters had also gathered at Khajoori Chowk, sending traffic into a chaos. Vehicles had to be diverted, with cops repeatedly asking commuters to divert in case they were taking these road.

"The protest on various issues are increasing day by day afffceting common people like us. We are stuck. If you wanted to protest it is allowed but why block roads and cause mayhem," said Madhui Chandra, a commuter.

Members of the Dalits community are protesting against a Supreme Court order, which, they say, dilutes the law meant to prevent atrocities against their community.

The Centre has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court, causing several Dalit organisations to call for a 'Bharat Bandh' across the country on Monday.