ISLAMABAD: A protest on the Islamabad Expressway ahead of VVIP movement made things worse for the capital police on Thursday.

This was the second consecutive day the residents of Rawalpindi living along the expressway blocked the main artery, causing a massive traffic jam.

On Thursday afternoon, about 100 people gathered on the expressway near Dhoke Kala Khan and blocked the thoroughfare.

At the time, arrangements were being made for VVIP movement in the area, a senior police officer said. He, however, was reluctant to reveal the identity of the VVIP. “The situation on the expressway became too dangerous for the VVIP to pass and a contingent of police, including an anti-riot unit, was sent to clear the road.”

He said the police and administration officials negotiated with the protesters but could not convince them to disperse.

Meanwhile, gridlocks were witnessed as traffic was diverted to I.J.Principal Road, Murree Road and Park Road.

As a result, the police had to use force against the protesters and removed them from the road after half an hour.

Police had to resort to batoncharging and shelling protesters, but the demonstrators kept the road blocked for over three hours.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2014