India: Village heads to protest at State Legislative Assembly in Chandigarh March 17

Event

Village leaders (sarpanch) will demonstrate at the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) in Chandigarh March 17; protesters plan to surround the building during the action. The purpose of the event is to denounce the lack of consensus with the state government concerning an online procurement platform. It remains unclear how many participants the gathering may draw.

Authorities will almost certainly increase security near the State Legislative Assembly building and may disperse the gathering if it becomes overly disruptive. Clashes between activists and police cannot be ruled out. Demonstrators may march along or block nearby roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Localized business disruptions are possible through the evening of March 17.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration as a precaution. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional time to reach destinations near the gathering site. Plan accordingly for possible localized business disruptions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.