India: Authorities increasing security nationwide for Independence Day Aug. 15

Event

India will observe Independence Day Aug. 15. The largest celebration will take place at the Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the public during the morning. However, flag-raising ceremonies are likely in state capitals, and celebrations will probably occur in district headquarters nationwide. Separatist and civic groups will probably stage demonstrations during the holiday, and shutdown strikes, street marches, and public rallies are possible in some areas. Commemorative events and protests are likely to prompt localized transport disruptions and, possibly, business disruptions and clashes.

Security forces are monitoring major cities, border districts, and areas with known militant activity. Authorities will also likely enhance protective measures in coastal areas. Increased security and screening measures are likely around possible terror targets, including venues hosting official functions, government buildings, religious sites, and critical infrastructure. The largest deployment of security forces will be in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Maoist-affected districts in southern and eastern India, and the far northeastern states.

Delhi
Thousands of security personnel will guard the Red Fort. Officials have already placed containers near the Red Fort to prevent demonstrations from impacting the area. Only permitted vehicles will be allowed into the complex. Authorities will conduct an event rehearsal Aug. 13. Police will close roads 04:00-10:00 and suspend commercial trucking and interstate buses in central Delhi, between Nizamuddin and Wazirabad bridges, 00:01-11:00 Aug. 13 and 15. Lingering congestion is possible through at least the early afternoon hours on both days.

Jammu and Kashmir
Separatist and Islamist militancy is an ongoing security concern in Jammu and Kashmir. Terror attacks, cross-border violence along the India-Pakistan border, and civil unrest are possible in the region over the holiday. Authorities will probably implement vehicle checks, movement restrictions, and telecommunication service disruptions in preparation for the observance. Armed attacks and disruptive protests are especially likely in the Kashmir Valley.

Maoist-Affected Districts
An upsurge of violence is possible in areas affected by Maoist insurgents during the Independence Day celebrations. Ambushes against security personnel and attacks on power, mining, and rail infrastructure are possible, especially in rural parts of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha states. Maoist fighters could target police posts, mines, train stations, and energy installations, including hydroelectric dams. Police may impose road closures and localized curfews if violence erupts, prompting disruptions to transport, business, and communication services.

Northeast India
Shutdown strikes are possible throughout Northeast India, including Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Meghalaya, Aug. 15. Any strikes that occur could prompt significant commercial and transportation disruptions, especially in militant stronghold areas. Violent attacks - including bombings, grenade attacks, arson, and vandalism - are possible, especially in high-risk states such as Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations and possible terror target sites due to the threat of violence. Confirm ground transportation reservations as some regional and long-distance services could be canceled due to security concerns, particularly in Maoist-affected areas and northeastern India. Allow additional time to reach destinations around event venues; re-route time-sensitive consignments to avoid affected routes. Heed all advice of security personnel; be prepared to show identification documents at security checks. Seek updates from trusted local sources on demonstrations and security restrictions, as organizers and authorities may not announce them in advance.

Resources

Delhi Traffic Police