22 Feb 2022 | 02:59 PM UTC
India: Protest likely at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Maharashtra State, from Feb. 26
Protest likely at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, India, from Feb. 26. Increased security likely; skirmishes possible.
Event
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters and members of the Maratha community are likely to protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from Feb. 26. Several groups, including the BJP, have expressed support for and will likely join BJP member of parliament and Maratha community member Yuvraj Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, who plans to hold an indefinite sit-in protest at Azad Maidan from Feb. 26. Chhatrapati intends to demand the state government reserve more placements at universities and jobs for members of the Maratha community. Participation in the protest is unclear, though Maratha organizations claim thousands of Maratha activists may participate. Maratha groups may organize protests expressing solidarity with Chhatrapati in other areas of the state.
Security personnel will likely monitor the protest and may try to disperse the gathering if it is especially disruptive. Skirmishes between protesters and police are possible. The protest and increased security may result in localized transport disruptions.
Advice
Avoid the protest due to possible skirmishes. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Follow all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time in the area.
