India: Political rally planned in Kolkata on May 25

Event

The right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is planning to march to the Kolkata Police Headquarters in Lal Bazar (West Bengal) on Thursday, May 25. Violent clashes between security forces and protesters may occur, which also broke out during a protest by the Left Front in Kolkata on Monday, May 22. Security forces charged demonstrators with batons and fired teargas. Many protesters were wounded in the clashes, including journalists, who did not take part to the protest.

Expect increased security measures in the city. Traffic disruptions are possible during Thursday’s rally.

Context

The Left Front protested for farmers’ rights as well as against government corruption.

Advice

Individuals in Kolkata are advised to monitor the situation, to avoid all gatherings, and to allow additional time to travel.

As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the west of Jammu and Kashmir state and against all travel to the border region with Pakistan (direct vicinity of the Line of Control) due to the high threat of terrorism.