07 Dec 2024 | 05:59 AM UTC
India: Multiple rallies planned Dec. 10 amid nationwide protests over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh /update 1
Further rallies planned in India through at least mid-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 mid-December. Hindu activists will gather at the Plaza in Chandigarh's Sector 17 Dec. 8. Notable rallies will also occur in multiple regions Dec. 10 to mark International Human Rights Day. Previous related demonstrations have taken place in several states like Assam, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, and West Bengal. Activists have also attempted to breach the Indo-Bangladeshi border in Assam State's Sribhumi District Dec. 1 and the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission building in Tripura State's Agartala Dec. 2. Planned actions for Dec. 10 include:
Delhi: Supporters of over 200 civil organizations will march to the Bangladesh High Commission; tight security, traffic curbs, and skirmishes are likely.
Maharashtra State: Hindu groups have called for motorcycle processions at 14:00; rally routes are from Badkas Chowk and Satranjipura Chowk to Tekdi Ganesh Temple and Manas Chowk, from Ajni Chowk and Sakkardara Chowk to Yashwant Stadium, as well as from Chhaoni Chowk and Kamal Talkies Chowk to Samvidhan Chowk. Participants will then march on foot towards Variety Square.
West Bengal State: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold a blockade at the Ghojadanga land border point in the North 24 Paraganas District; several hundred people are likely to attend.
Additional, 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.
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 cross-border 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 cross-border travel and trade plans in advance. Heed all official security and transport advisories.
