09 Dec 2017 | 02:37 AM UTC
India: Protests in several districts Dec. 8 following Rajsamand killing
Protests in Udaipur district (Rajasthan state), Jaipur district, and Kolkata December 8 following killing of Muslim man by suspected Hindu nationalist in Rajsamand district
Event
On Friday, December 8, protests broke out in Udaipur district (Rajasthan state) and in Kolkata (West Bengal state) in response to a recent incident involving a suspected Hindu nationalist who killed a Muslim man in Rajsamand district (Rajasthan state). The attack, which was caught on tape, occurred on Wednesday, December 6, in reprisal for the Muslim man allegedly attempting to forge a romantic relationship with a Hindu woman. Demonstrations broke out at Gandhi Circle near Rajasthan University (Jaipur district), in Udaipur district, and in Kolkata on Friday against the killing. Additional rallies are expected in Kolkata and Malda on Saturday, December 9. A heightened security presence was also reported in Rajsamand district. Additional protests, and consequent traffic disruptions, are expected in the coming hours and days as protesters express their outrage against the attack.
Context
Sectarian violence between India's Hindu and Muslim communities is not uncommon. In April, a Muslim man was killed after he and 14 other men were attacked by a Hindu vigilante group in Rajasthan state. The group believed that the Muslim men had slaughtered cows, which are considered sacred by Hindus.
Advice
Individuals in the affected districts in India are advised to remain vigilant, avoid all demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
