India: Security measures for Republic Day to prompt disruptions through Jan. 26, especially in Delhi

Event

Authorities will bolster security in major cities throughout India ahead of the nation's Jan. 26 Republic Day observance. Terrorism and militancy are primary security concerns, given the symbolic significance of the holiday as a celebration of Indian nationalism. Terror warnings, bomb threats, and multiple security scares are likely in the run-up to and during the public holiday. Security forces could conduct preemptive raids to arrest suspected extremists possessing weapons and/or explosives in various cities and towns.

The capital city, Delhi, is the largest and most heavily guarded holiday event site - a large-scale parade that showcases the country's military strength and cultural diversity. Smaller ceremonies occur in state capitals and district headquarters nationwide. Major traffic disruptions will occur near Republic Day venues, especially in urban centers. Maoist rebels (also known as Naxalites) and various separatist political and militant groups typically call for boycotts of ceremonies and/or observe shutdown strikes (bandh) on Republic Day to draw attention to their grievances. Farmer groups and other organizations are likely to organize street marches and public rallies, mainly outside government buildings in state capitals; some of these demonstrations may turn violent.

Regional Security Considerations

National Capital Region
The annual Republic Day parade in Delhi is a potential terrorist target. Authorities will deploy at least 27,000 security personnel in the region. Officials will host an 8-km (5-mile) procession between Rashtrapati Bhavan (presidential residence) and Lal Qila (Red Fort) via India Gate; reports indicate the event will draw around 14,000 participants. Road closures, vehicle searches, and other increased security measures will be imposed at government buildings, markets, transport centers, and other crowded sites throughout the metropolitan area. Transportation authorities have advised commuters to allow additional travel time for metro services through Jan. 26. Air India (AI) will cancel its domestic flight operations to and from Delhi daily 10:30-12:45 Jan. 19-24 and 10:30-12:45 Jan. 26. Inbound and outgoing Air India international flights, especially to and from Heathrow Airport (LHR), Dulles International Airport (IAD), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), and Suvarnabhumi Airport, may experience temporary delays.

Activists may hold violent demonstrations in the lead-up to and during Republic Day. Well-attended rallies may involve thousands of participants. Police will likely attempt to block or disperse any gatherings that occur, potentially resulting in violence. Shipping and transport delays are also possible along all major highways connecting Delhi to neighboring states, especially along sections in the National Capital Region comprising Delhi and parts of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh states.

Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory
Separatist militancy is an ongoing concern in parts of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. Despite tightened security in the region, violence could intensify ahead of and during Republic Day. Kashmiri separatist organizations will almost certainly call for a complete shutdown strike in the Kashmir Valley on Jan. 26. Violent anti-India protests are possible in Srinagar and large towns in the region. Terrorist attacks - including improvised explosive device (IED) or vehicle-borne IED (VBIED) bombings, grenades, and/or suicide attacks - may occur, particularly in the Muslim-dominated Kashmir Valley.

Northeast India
Militant groups typically boycott Republic Day celebrations and call for shutdown strikes in the region; varied participation is likely. In some areas, business and transportation disruptions may occur; urban localities are usually the least affected. Multiple ethnic and political groups regularly stage protests and strikes over their demands, and violent civil unrest is possible around the national holiday. Bombings, grenade attacks, and shootings are possible, especially in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Meghalaya states.

Maoist-Affected States
An upsurge in violence is probable in areas affected by Maoist insurgencies. Ambushes targeting security personnel and attacks on power, mining, and rail infrastructure may occur. These incidents are most likely to occur in rural parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar states.

Advice

Stay away from all protests. Arrive at airports earlier than normal due to stringent security checks of passengers and baggage. Confirm all travel reservations; authorities may cancel some regional and long-distance services due to security concerns, particularly in northern and northeastern India. Plan accordingly for potential commercial and transport disruptions due to bomb threats and other security scares. Consider restricting movements near government, police, and military installations, as well as large concentrations of security forces, transport hubs, and crowded public venues in Kashmir, far northeast India, and districts with a notable presence of Maoist separatists.

Resources

Republic Day