04 Sep 2018 | 10:14 AM UTC
India: Political tensions high in West Bengal state
Rally staged by activists September 3 in North 24 Parganas district led to police intervention; local tension likely to remain
Event
On Monday, September 3, Communist Party of India (M) activists staged another demonstration in West Bengal state's North 24 Parganas district (north east of Kolkata) to protest the arrest of party workers a few days earlier. The police intervened to stop the protesters from marching towards the Amdanga police station. CPI(M) members also blocked road traffic on National Highway 34. Violence and clashes broke out again between the police, Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel and the demonstrators.
Context
On August 29, three party workers died and 17 more were injured in clashes with political rivals in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on August 29. Since then, tension remains very high in the area, and security forces remain deployed to mitigate further clashes.
Advice
Individuals present in West Bengal state are advised to avoid non-essential travel to districts recently exposed to political violence. Avoid political rallies, marches and demonstrations as they may turn violent. Adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.
