14 Dec 2022 | 06:23 PM UTC
India: Farmers to hold protests in New Delhi Dec. 17-19
Farmers to stage demonstrations in New Delhi, India, Dec. 17-19. Increased security, localized transport disruptions likely.
Event
Farmers affiliated with multiple organizations plan to protest in New Delhi Dec. 17-19 to demand several concessions. On Dec. 17, activists associated with the Amaravati Pariksaran Samiti (APS) will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar observatory to demand that Amaravati remain the only state capital of Andhra Pradesh. Organizers may hold additional demonstrations or protest marches, especially near prominent government buildings, public squares and grounds, and thoroughfares through the evening of Dec. 19.
On Dec. 19, farmers affiliated with the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and APS will protest at New Delhi's Ramlila Ground to demand that the central government improve their working conditions, including an increase in minimum income support. Organizers claim that the event will draw hundreds of thousands of protesters; however, it is likely that less than 100,000 demonstrators will actually participate.
Authorities will probably increase security near the protest venues and may attempt to disperse the gatherings if they are overly disruptive. Clashes between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out. Localized transport disruptions are likely, especially if activists march along or block nearby roadways.
Advice
Avoid all demonstrations as a standard security precaution. Allow extra time to reach destinations near the impacted areas through at least the evening of Dec. 19. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
