India: Panchmasalis to protest in Belagavi District, Karnataka State, Dec. 22

Event

Members of the Panchmasali community plan to rally in Kamkaratti, Belagavi District, Karnataka State, 11:00 Dec. 22 to demand job and political reservations. The protest will occur as the state legislature convenes at the nearby Suvarna Vidhana Soudha assembly building. Leaders claim hundreds of thousands of supporters will join the event. Additional protests are possible through Dec. 30, when the assembly session will conclude.

Authorities have banned unauthorized public gatherings within a 1-km radius of the assembly building through Dec. 30; security cordons and traffic restrictions are almost certain in the vicinity. Police will deploy in and around the protest site. Activists will probably march on or block roads, causing localized traffic disruptions. Limited disruptions are possible along National Highway (NH) 48 connecting Bengaluru and Pune cities. Some local businesses may close to express support for the cause. Minor skirmishes are possible, especially if police attempt to disperse unruly gatherings or demonstrators breach security cordons.

Advice

Avoid the protest and navigating roadblocks as a precaution. Confirm business appointments, road status, and transport reservations in the affected area Dec. 22. Allow additional travel time to reach nearby destinations. Leave the area immediately for a secure, nongovernmental building if clashes break out. Monitor trusted local media for updates on related protests as organizers may not announce them in advance. Heed all security and traffic advisories.