India: INC rally causing traffic congestion along Delhi-Meerut Expressway near Ghazipur Border, Uttar Pradesh State, Dec. 4 /update 1

Hundreds of Indian National Congress (INC) supporters, led by prominent lawmaker Rahul Gandhi, are rallying along the Delhi-Meerut Expressway near the Ghazipur border in Uttar Pradesh State as of the afternoon of Dec. 4. The march is heading to Sambhal, a district recently affected by violence related to the archaeological examination of the Shahi Jama Mosque. Prohibitory orders under Section 163, which restrict outsiders from entering Sambhal, are in effect. Security forces have erected barricades at the Ghazipur border to block their passage, resulting in significant traffic congestion on the expressway.

Increased security measures are likely at the protest site and Shahi Jama Mosque. Traffic congestion along the Delhi-Meerut Expressway will likely continue through Dec. 4. Clashes may occur if police attempt to arrest participants or disperse the gathering forcibly.