India: Protests demanding arrest of WFI official likely to occur nationwide through at least early June /update 3

Event

Protests demanding the arrest of a Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) official for alleged sexual harassment against female wrestlers are likely to occur nationwide through at least early June. On June 1, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM, or United Farmers' Front) will hold district- and tehsil-level demonstrations across India. On June 5, the SKM will stage nationwide protests at the village and city levels; the same day, the WFI chief will organize a counterdemonstration at Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh State. Additional gatherings are likely over the coming weeks, and the demonstrations may increase in scale if other groups participate.

Although activists did not immediately announce any additional details concerning specific assembly points, potential gathering sites include prominent government buildings, public spaces or squares, sports grounds, and thoroughfares. In New Delhi, protesters may gather outside the WFI office, India Gate, and Jantar Mantar observatory; small-scale demonstrations over the issue have regularly occurred at the observatory in recent months. Participation will vary by locale and sponsoring group, with the largest turnouts likely in major urban centers, such as New Delhi.

Authorities will likely continue to monitor such gatherings and may move to disperse overly disruptive crowds. Clashes between police and activists, as well as between groups of rival demonstrators, cannot be ruled out. Protesters may march along or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Associated localized business disruptions are possible.

Advice

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