Ludhiana, Jan. 29 -- The 'bandh' call given by Dalit organisations over the vandalism of a statue of BR Ambedkar in Amritsar received a mixed response in the city.

While most schools, businesses and industries remained open, life was thrown out of gear as road blockades led to long delays and inconvenience for commuters.

The protestors demanded that the accused be booked under the National Security Act (NSA).

The worst-hit areas were the national highway and key city junctions, including Jalandhar Bypass, Basti Jodhewal Chowk and Karabara Chowk. The protesters, including members of auto-rickshaw associations, blocked roads. Auto-rickshaws were parked across the highway, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Commuters faced hours of delays...