Traffic on Bengaluru-Mangaluru National Highway hit during Waqf protest

Traffic on Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway 75 halted due to protest against Waqf Amendment Act, police intervene to clear roadblock.

Traffic movement came to a virtual halt for some time between Padil and Thumbay on Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway 75 on Friday evening due to gathering of people for protest against Waqf Amendment Act at Shah grounds in Adyar.

The traffic, which was moving at snail’s pace since 4 p.m. came to a halt following road blockage by people in front of masjid in Kannur at around 6 p.m. Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal and other police officials tried to convince the protestors. When the protestors were unrelenting, the police had to forcefully move them away.

On the writ petition by a resident of Farangipet, the Karnatak High Court on Thursday directed the Mangaluru Police to ensure protest does not lead to blocking of traffic movement on the National Highway 75. Police were deployed in large numbers at the venue and between Padil and B.C. Road. Earlier, Police Commissioner had issued advisory asking motorists to avoid using the stretch during the protest.

People came in large numbers for the protest. People were seen marching to the venue by raising “Azadi” slogans. The slogans continued at the venue even as leaders were speaking on the stage.

The organisers repeatedly announced on the loud speaker asking people not to make provocative slogans and block movement of ambulances and other vehicles on National Highway 75. People were seen sitting atop slow moving buses and transport vehicles, and waving national flags that were distributed at the protest site.