22 Dec 2023 | 04:54 AM UTC
India: Opposition parties to hold nationwide protests Dec. 22 /update 2
Opposition alliance to rally across India from 11:00 Dec. 22. Increased security, localized transport disruptions likely in some cities.
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) - a coalition comprising 28 opposition parties - has called for district-level protests across the country from 11:00 Dec. 22. The action is to denounce the suspension of 146 opposition lawmakers during the winter parliamentary session on grounds of unruly behavior. The largest event will occur in Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where prominent opposition leaders - including members of the main opposition party, the Indian National Congress (INC) - may attempt to march towards the parliament building. Other notable gatherings will occur at the following venues:
Bihar State: March from the Income Tax Department Office in Golambar, Patna, to the District Collector's Office
Chandigarh: Near INC headquarters in Sector 35
Chhattisgarh State: At the INC headquarters in Raipur
Gujarat State: At Lal Darwaja in Ahmedabad
Jharkhand State: Near the Raj Bhavan building in Ranchi, and outside collector offices in other districts
Kerala State: Outside the Raj Bhavan building in Thiruvananthapuram
Madhya Pradesh State: At Roshanpura Intersection in Bhopal and near Ghantaghar Chowk, Jabalpur
Maharashtra State: Outside the District Collector's office in Pune
Rajasthan State: Near the Shaheed Smarak monument in Jaipur's Tilak Nagar, in addition to outside administrative offices at other district headquarters
Uttar Pradesh State: Outside district magistrate offices, with the largest rally from Lucknow's Begum Hazratmahal Park to the district magistrate office
Uttarakhand State: Outside Raj Bhavan in Dehradun
Additional unannounced solidarity protest campaigns, including marches and sit-ins, are likely nationwide, especially in state capitals and major urban centers. Opposing political groups may also stage counterdemonstrations at short notice. Potential gathering sites include prominent political party offices, government buildings, public squares, press clubs, sports grounds, and thoroughfares. Well-attended gatherings could draw a few thousand participants.
Authorities will almost certainly monitor any large gatherings and may move to disperse overly unruly crowds. Officials could implement enhanced security restrictions, such as gathering bans and roadblocks, particularly near government buildings. Isolated clashes between police and activists, as well as between supporters of opposing rival camps, cannot be ruled out. Associated localized transport disruptions are likely near well-attended protests.
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 localized business disruptions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.