27 Aug 2024 | 04:07 AM UTC
India: Additional protests and doctors' strikes likely nationwide through early September /update 3
Further demonstrations and doctors' strikes likely across India through early September. Violence, medical service disruptions possible.
Additional rallies and doctors' strikes are likely across India through at least early September over the alleged rape and murder of a female resident doctor at Kolkata's R. G. Kar Medical College on Aug. 9. Although resident doctors - mainly under the Federation of Resident Doctors' Associations (FORDA) - have temporarily suspended their strike action as of Aug. 27, further interruptions to nonemergency disruptions are possible, mostly at public hospitals. West Bengal State is worst affected by disruptive protests, with violence and vandal attacks reported during earlier rallies. Hundreds of people may attend related demonstrations, especially in cities and/or organized by student and health worker unions or political parties. Announced events include:
Aug. 27: Student groups plan to march to the State Secretariat (Nabanna) Howrah from 13:00. Participants will gather at College Square in Kolkata and Santragachi in Howrah.
Aug. 28-Sept. 4: State opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for gatherings of various types in West Bengal State. BJP supporters plan to surround (gherao) district magistrate offices from 12:00 Aug. 29, protest at government adminstrative offices Sept. 2, and hold a state-wide shutdown strike Sept. 4. In Kolkata, participants will hold a sit-in demonstration at the Esplanade area Aug. 28.
Further rallies are certain. Work stoppages with limited disruptions are likely at public universities and healthcare facilities. Reports indicate significant participation in previous and/or ongoing strikes in several states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, as well as Chandigarh Union Territory and New Delhi.
Popular protest sites include medical colleges, public healthcare facilities, government buildings, public squares, and thoroughfares in state capitals and other cities. Gatherings are also likely near facilities of investigation agencies like the police and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), as well as the chief ministerial residence and office in West Bengal State. Demonstrators typically march along or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Associated localized business disruptions are possible.
Authorities will likely monitor any rallies that materialize and could use force to disperse unruly crowds or unauthorized gatherings. Arson and vandalism are possible, as are isolated clashes between police and activists. Enhanced security measures, such as roadblocks around government buildings, a ban on unauthorized public gatherings, and temporary mobile internet curbs, are especially possible in West Bengal State to prevent or control any violence during large protests.
Confirm medical appointments at public healthcare facilities. Avoid any demonstration that materializes. Do not navigate roadblocks as protesters may react violently. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Plan accordingly for potential localized transport and business disruptions, especially during shutdown strikes. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
