India: Increased security, continued protests possible in cities nationwide through at least June 13 /update 1

Event

Increased security is likely in several major cities across India through at least June 13 following a recent spate of nationwide protests. Unrest broke out in about 14 cities on June 10 in reaction to remarks made by two leading members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which were considered derogatory of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad. Related demonstrations could continue through the weekend.

The following were among the larger events that took place on June 10:

• Delhi Capital Territory: About 300 people gathered to protest outside the Jama Mosque on June 10.

• Uttar Pradesh State: Demonstrators and police clashed in the Atala area of Prayagraj.

• Jammu and Kashmir: In Srinagar, major protests occurred in the Tengpora and Batamaloo neighborhoods, as well as at Lal Chowk. Authorities have imposed a curfew in Bhaderwah and Kishtwar districts as a precaution. Internet services have been suspended in parts of Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, and Srinagar; it remains unclear when services will resume.

• West Bengal State: Most protest activity took place in the Howrah District, where demonstrators also blocked rail lines. Authorities have tightened security amid reports of vandalism and stone-throwing. Train services have been canceled in some areas of Howrah District; internet services are suspended until 06:00 June 13.

• Jharkhand State: In Ranchi, protesters gathered along Mahatma Gandhi Main Road and clashed with police, resulting in several reported injuries. Authorities have imposed a curfew, suspended internet services, and banned gatherings of five or more people from Sujata Chowk to Firayalal Chowk and along the Mahatma Gandhi Main Road until 06:00 June 11.

• Gujarat State: Demonstrations have occurred in Vadodara and Ahmedabad. Some businesses in the Karanj and Dariyapur areas of Ahmedabad have closed, with protestors reportedly blocking roads in some parts of the city.

• Telangana State: In Hyderabad, protests were reported at Masjid-e-Azizia and Mecca Masjid.

• Maharashtra State: Demonstrators gathered in central Solapur.

• Uttar Pradesh State: The largest gatherings have occurred in the cities of Prayagraj, Hathras, Saharanpur, Moradabad, and Firozabad. Authorities have tightened security amid reports of vandalism and stone-throwing; about 136 protesters have been arrested.

Participation has varied by location, with several hundred demonstrators attending some gatherings. Additional protests are possible in other cities nationwide. Police will likely continue monitoring the demonstrations and may use force to disperse them if they are especially disruptive. Protests may quickly turn violent, with activists engaging in arson, vandalism, and attacks on vehicles or other property. Security forces are typically quick to respond to civil unrest and have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse previous demonstrations. Officials could suspend telecommunications and internet services in other cities if the unrest spreads. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely near any protest sites.

Advice

Avoid any protests that may materialize over the upcoming days. Do not attempt to cross any protester roadblocks; wait for police to clear them before proceeding. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a safe, nongovernmental building. Allow extra time to reach destinations near likely demonstration sites. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks. Follow all security and traffic advisories.