India: Rajasthan state affected by protest against SC/ST Act amendment

Event

On September 6, protests / strike against SC/ST Act amendment engulfed the Rajasthan state, where several districts and large cities (e.g. Jaipur, Udaipur, Alwar, Karauli, Jodhpur) experienced tensions, local incidents, additional police deployed and population protest. Similar protests took place over the past several days in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar states (road and rail traffic disrupted, street protest, shops and institutions closed, large police deployments and clashes between protesters and security forces).

Context

The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act aims to limit discrimination toward the Dalit (untouchable) population and other groups subject to increased prejudice and discrimination.

Advice

Individuals in affected districts of Rajasthan are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Anticipate the possibility of a long-term popular mobilization, with potential ramifications for the law and order.