The hunters’ protest came to a halt after about an hour and a half on Sunday, amid threats they would block off the Nicosia-Limassol highway indefinitely.

During the protest, they threatened they would not leave until President Nikos Christodoulides assured them he would intervene.

Christodoulides then called the head of the hunters association Nicolas Prodromou, where they agreed to a meeting on Monday at the presidential palace.

The protest began at 12pm at the Skarinou point of the highway, attracting about 5,000 hunters. Traffic had to be diverted as hunters also set up barbeques and began cooking souvla.

All four lanes on the highway were blocked until the strike was called off.

Disy MP Nicos Tornaritis said the fact they closed the roads would be tabled to the House legal committee. He described it as “antisocial and unacceptable behaviour” while expressing concern police did not ensure there was proper access for all drivers.

Hunters demand tougher fines for those who hunt without permits, calling the situation “dangerously out of control” as they urged MPs to step in.

They also expressed a need for protection from the “illegal” practices of activists.

Hunters are also arguing for legislation that ensures the game fund chief position should be chosen from a list of legal hunters with a valid license, and framework with strict penalties against poaching.

Their demands include the development of photovoltaic farms on state land.

Earlier, police urged drivers to be extra cautious and patient and comply with traffic signals and the instructions of on-duty police officers, who will be at the scene.

Roads around Choirokitia were closed on the highway and drivers diverted to the old road between Nicosia and Limassol.