India: Opposition party calls for nationwide protests June 27 /update 3

Event

The Indian National Congress (INC) plans to hold protests denouncing short-term contractual army jobs across India 10:00 June 27. Organizers will probably hold gatherings at or near railway stations, government buildings, political party offices, residences of BJP lawmakers, public squares, and major intersections. Hundreds to a few thousand people may attend larger protests in northern Indian states such as Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Other groups plan to hold localized protests on the same day. The Rasthriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) plan to protest in Jodhpur, Rajasthan State. Farmers also announced a march from Talu in Bhiwani to Lajwana Kalan, Jind in Haryana.

Related protests have been occurring across India since June 15. Demonstrations have occurred near or at railway stations in several states, including Bihar, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal states. Violent protests have led to rail disruptions including the cancellation of over 300 trains in the past week. Other protests have occurred in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan states, as well as Jammu and Kasmir Union Territory. Activists will likely continue to block major intersections and highways in several towns, mainly in northern India, in the coming days. Some groups called for a nationwide shutdown strike June 20; the strike caused rail disruptions as well as traffic disruptions in Delhi. Activists may call for similar actions in the coming days, though participation will likely vary by area.

Further rail service disruptions, including cancelations, are likely for the duration of protests. Commuters will likely seek alternative means of transport. Localized ground transport disruptions may also occur near any protest. Well-attended and/or disruptive gatherings are most likely in regions with high army recruitment, such as Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Security personnel will likely monitor large gatherings and may try to disperse disruptive rallies. Police have used tear gas to control unruly crowds and imposed Section 144 rules that ban unauthorized gatherings of over four people in some non-urban areas of Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh states. Clashes between protesters and police are possible; arson and vandalism by protestors may also continue at large rallies. Enhanced security measures such as gathering bans and limits on mobile internet or public movement are possible in additional areas where significant violence occurs.

Advice

Confirm rail service schedules and seek alternative means of transport if necessary. Avoid protests and navigating roadblocks due to possible violence. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately. Allow additional travel time near rally sites. Monitor trusted local media for updates on protest details, as spontaneous demonstrations are likely. Heed all security and traffic advisories.