22 Dec 2023 | 07:15 AM UTC
India: Government employees to protest near state secretariat building in Howrah, West Bengal, through Dec. 24
State employees to rally near Nabanna building in Howrah, India, Dec. 22-24. Localized disruptions likely; scuffles possible.
Unionized civil servants will stage a sit-in demonstration at the Nabanna Bus Terminus opposite the West Bengal State Secretariat in Howrah Dec. 22-24. The action is to demand additional hikes to the Dearness Allowance (DA) of state government employees. Authorities have capped the number of participants to 300 at any point in time. Earlier labor demonstrations have resulted in isolated clashes and police action.
Police are monitoring the event and may disperse participants if they become overly disruptive. Minor scuffles between activists and security forces cannot be ruled out, especially if protesters attempt to march toward the state secretariat building; security forces have used batons, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse previous rallies near government buildings.
Although officials have instructed organizers to avoid disrupting highway traffic, demonstrators may still march along or block nearby roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Increased congestion and demand for public transport are also probable if a large number of attendees reach and leave the venues.
The rally site is approximately 5 km (3 miles) southwest of Kolkata.
Avoid the protest due to possible clashes. In the event of violence, leave the area immediately for a secure, nongovernment building. Allow additional time for travel to nearby destinations; do not navigate roadblocks as a safety precaution. Heed all local security and traffic advisories.
