16 Apr 2018 | 11:43 PM UTC
India: Large nationwide protests over minor rape cases April 15
Large protests held across India on April 15 over recent minor rape cases in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh states; additional protests possible in the coming days
Event
Large protests were held in cities across India on Sunday, April 15, over the recent rape and murder of a young girl in Kathua district (Jammu and Kashmir state) and the alleged rape of another minor girl in Unnao district (Uttar Pradesh state). Thousands of protesters marched in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Indore, Ajmer, Surat, Goa, and Thiruvananthapuram, among other areas. Additional related protests and marches, associated heightened security measures, and consequent transportation disruptions are possible across India in the coming days and weeks.
Context
According to data from the Indian National Crime Records Bureau, incidents of child rape in India increased by over 82 percent from 2015 to 2016. Under a new law enacted in 2013, prison terms for rapists were doubled to 20 years; voyeurism, stalking, and sex trafficking were criminalized as well.
Advice
Individuals in India, particularly in the abovementioned areas, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
