Traffic Resumes on Delhi–Amritsar Highway After Protest Blockade Lifted

October 15, 2025

Ludhiana: The traffic jam on the Delhi–Amritsar National Highway in Punjab has been cleared, and vehicular movement has resumed gradually, officials said.

The blockade, led by Dalit organisations protesting over the suicide case of Haryana IPS officer Puran, was lifted following talks with the district administration.

However, traffic disruptions continue at the Jalandhar Bypass intersection in Ludhiana, where a separate sit-in protest remains underway.

Protesters Demand Arrest of Officers Named in Suicide Note

The protesters have demanded the arrest of all officials named in the IPS officer’s suicide note, raising slogans against the Haryana government and police department.
Bhavadhas leader Chaudhary Yashpal said the agitation would continue until their demands are met but assured that emergency vehicles, including ambulances and school buses, would not be stopped during the blockade.

Traffic Disruption and Police Response

The protest has completely disrupted traffic between Ludhiana and Jalandhar, causing long queues of stranded vehicles at the intersection. Earlier, the demonstrators had blocked the Delhi–Amritsar National Highway (NH-44) but later cleared it after discussions with the administration, allowing traffic to slowly resume.

To manage the situation, ACP K.S. Bhullar said police have diverted routes to prevent major jams, while SDM Ludhiana West Jasleen Kaur Bhullar reached the site to hold talks with the protest leaders. Senior officers are also on their way to assist in negotiations.

Clashes Reported at the Protest Site

Tensions flared when some protesters threw slippers at a photo of Haryana DGP Kapoor, who is reportedly on leave. Minor clashes between protesters and police were also reported, though the situation remains under control as talks continue.

Commuters Stranded for Hours

Several commuters were stranded for hours amid the gridlock.
Iqbal Singh Dhillon from Phagwara said he was on his way to Ludhiana’s DMC Hospital with his ailing mother but got stuck at the bypass intersection. “We have been waiting for hours. The police need to act fast and clear the road,” he said.

Another commuter, Rohit Arora, who was heading to Eldeco to pick up his children from school, expressed frustration. “My kids have been waiting outside the school for over an hour. Behind me, there’s a family with a sick woman. The administration needs to intervene — blocking roads is not a solution,” he said.

Talks Underway to End Blockade

Authorities continue to negotiate with Dalit organisations to end the blockade peacefully. The situation remains tense but under control as additional police personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain order.