16 Dec 2022 | 07:59 PM UTC
India: Bharatiya Janata Party to organize protests in state capitals Dec. 17
Bharatiya Janata Party to hold protests in state capitals across India Dec. 17. Increased security, localized transport disruptions likely.
Event
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to protest in state capitals nationwide Dec. 17 to denounce what the party considers to be derogatory remarks made by Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Jammu, BJP activists will gather outside the party office located in the Kacchi Chawni neighborhood beginning 09:00. While organizers have not as yet revealed additional gathering details, demonstrators will likely gather outside the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi and BJP party offices in various state capital cities, as well as near prominent government buildings, public squares, monuments, and thoroughfares. While gathering sizes will vary by location, the largest turnouts will likely be in major urban centers, such as New Delhi.
Authorities will likely deploy increased security to monitor any larger gatherings. Clashes between security forces and protesters, or between supporters of rival political camps cannot be ruled out. Activists may march along or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions.
Advice
Avoid the demonstrations as a standard precaution. Depart the area immediately at the first sign of any security disturbance; seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building if violence occurs. Allow additional travel time near protest sites through the evening of Dec. 17. Heed all official security and transport advisories.
