27 Mar 2018 | 12:23 PM UTC
India: Deadly armed rallies continue in West Bengal March 27 /update 1
Three people killed and dozens injured over three days of clashes between Hindu revelers and security personnel in West Bengal March 25-27
Event
Three people have been killed and dozens others wounded since Sunday, March 25, when clashes first broke out at a Hindu celebration held in West Bengal state’s Beldi village on the occasion of Ram Navami (an important Hindu festival). The celebration snowballed into armed rioting perpetrated by members of the Hindu and Muslim communities, which continues as of March 27. Sunday’s armed rally was held despite a government ban and clashes broke out when police attempted to stop people from taking part in an armed procession. After news spread on Sunday that a protester had been killed, villagers reportedly clashed again with police.
Police held an emergency meeting on Tuesday to increase security measures; riot police have since been deployed and some 100 protesters detained.
Context
Ram Navami, an optional government holiday in India, celebrates the birthday of the god Rama. It is usually marked by devotional worship, fasting, and the reading of passages about Rama's life.
Tensions between Muslims and Hindus have increased across India since Modi and his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014. West Bengal is a hotspot of such tensions.
Advice
Individuals present in West Bengal are advised to stay away from public gatherings, monitor the local situation, and obey instructions from police personnel.
