India: Bharatiya Janata Party activists plan to protest in Sambalpur, Odisha State, Jan. 21

Event

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists plan to demonstrate outside the Revenue Divisional Commissioner office in Odisha's Sambalpur Jan. 21. The action is to demand changes to the paddy procurement process in the state. Hundreds of supporters may participate in the protest. The start time of the demonstration is unclear, though participants are likely to gather from late morning through the evening of Jan. 21.

Security personnel will almost certainly deploy to monitor the protest. Localized transport disruptions due to road closures, diversions, and security cordons are likely and may continue through the evening of Jan. 21. Routes most likely to be affected include Main Road, Ring Road, and Veer Surendra Sai Marg. Clashes may break out between rival party supporters, as well as between police and demonstrators.

The protest site is approximately 125 km (78 miles) southwest of Rourkela.

Advice

Avoid the rally due to possible clashes. Allow extra travel time; consider using alternative routes to avoid affected areas. Confirm road status and transport reservations in the affected area throughout Jan. 21. Do not navigate any roadblocks as a precaution. Heed all instructions of security personnel.