07 Nov 2024 | 09:02 PM UTC
India: Increased security, rallies, and related disruptions likely across Jharkhand State through mid-November in connection with elections /update 1
Tight security, rallies, and disruptions related to legislative assembly elections likely in Jharkhand State, India, through mid-November.
Political rallies, increased security measures, and related disruptions are likely in Jharkhand State through at least mid-November in the lead-up to the legislative assembly elections. Officials will hold polling for the legislative elections in two phases, with voting on Nov. 13 and Nov. 20, followed by vote counting on Nov. 23. As of early Nov. 8, major political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC), plan to stage demonstrations to mobilize grassroots support. Demonstration organizers have announced the following planned actions:
Nov. 8: INC leader Rahul Gandhi will participate in several rallies across the state, including at the Gandhi Maidan playground field in Simdega at 12:10 and the BS College Ground in Lohardaga at 13:45.
Nov. 9: INC leader Rahul Gandhi will hold an additional public gathering at the Matigarh Dam Colony near Baghmara and visit Jamshedpur.
Nov. 10: In Ranchi, BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a procession from OTC Ground to New Market Chowk.
Political parties and other organizations will likely stage additional demonstrations of varying types over the coming days. Counterdemonstrations could materialize on short notice. Popular rally venues include government buildings, sports fields, public squares, and thoroughfares. Well-attended gatherings will probably draw thousands of participants. Moreover, outlawed Maoist groups could stage disruptive shutdown strikes (bandhs) or other similar disorderly actions. Potential gathering sites include police stations, security checkpoints, infrastructure development sites, government buildings, public squares, and thoroughfares. Insurgents will likely attack security personnel, government offices, development projects, and public infrastructure, such as railways, in rural areas.
Militants may also carry out armed attacks and acts of sabotage targeting businesses and transport operators who do not comply with strike orders. Roadblocks are possible, as Maoist insurgents have previously sabotaged long-distance bus operations and train services during similar actions. Clashes between militants and police may occur. Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence in certain regions in response to a recent resurgence of Maoist activity, especially in Bokaro and West Singhbhum districts. Law enforcement personnel continue to conduct security operations in these areas and have expressed concerns about public safety in rural constituencies during the voting period.
Depending on operational needs, the government could implement enhanced restrictions, including temporary curbs on public movement, internet access, and other telecommunications. Further clashes between activists and police, as well as between members of opposing groups, are likely. Isolated security incidents, including arson, targeted attacks on candidates, and vandalism, cannot be ruled out. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are also likely.
Avoid the planned rallies and any other demonstrations that materialize. Avoid potential targets and areas with large concentrations of security personnel. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving through rural areas where Maoist groups have a known presence. To the extent possible, do not travel on trains or roads that pass through Maoist-affected areas, especially during nighttime. Plan accordingly for transport and business disruptions. Carry proper identification documents at all times. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
