13 Dec 2024 | 05:08 AM UTC
India: Further protests likely nationwide through late December over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh /update 2
Further protests likely in India through at least late December over Hindu rights in Bangladesh. Tight security likely. Clashes possible.
Protests denouncing alleged discrimination and reported violence against Hindus in Bangladesh will likely persist across India through at least late December. In recent weeks, activists have staged multiple demonstrations after Bangladeshi authorities arrested Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk, in late November. Police detained Das under sedition charges for allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally in Chittagong. Previous related protests have taken place in several states like Assam, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, and West Bengal. Activists have also demonstrated at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission building in Tripura State’s Argartala. Additionally, protesters previously attempted to breach the Indo-Bangladeshi border in Assam State’s Sribhumi District and protested at West Bengal State’s Ghojadanga land border point.
Related demonstrations of varying types are highly likely to occur over the coming days. Counterdemonstrations may materialize on short notice. Potential rally sites include prominent government buildings, worship sites, transport hubs, public squares, and thoroughfares. Activists could also assemble near various land border checkpoints and Bangladeshi diplomatic facilities, such as the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Guwahati, and the Deputy High Commission buildings in Kolkata and Mumbai. The largest gatherings will probably occur in the National Capital Region and in states bordering Bangladesh, such as Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and West Bengal states. Hundreds of people typically join related protests.
Authorities will likely monitor the rallies and could use force to disperse unruly crowds. Depending on operational needs, officials could impose enhanced security restrictions, including public gathering controls. Clashes between activists and police and members of opposing groups are possible. Isolated security incidents, such as arson and vandalism, cannot be ruled out. Associated localized business and transport disruptions are highly likely. Larger gatherings and related security measures could temporarily disrupt crossborder travel and trade.
Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Keep away from locations where security personnel appear to be deploying and leave the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Plan accordingly for potential localized business and transport disruptions. Confirm crossborder travel and trade plans in advance. Heed all official security and transport advisories.
