India: Nationwide student protests scheduled on January 6 /update 1

Event

Students have called for protests in several cities across India on Monday, January 6, to denounce a violent attack on students and staff of Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Sunday, January 5.

In Guwahati (Assam), students of the Gauhati, Cotton, and other universities are expected to gather at 16:00 (local time) in Nehru Park to hold a rally.

In Mumbai (Maharastra) a demonstration is due to take place at 16:00 at Hutatma Chowk.

In Hyderabad (Uttar Pradesh), students of the University of Hyderabad are expected to gather in the afternoon to demonstrate and decide future actions.

Furthers protests are expected through the day in Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), and Patna (Bihar).

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near the protest sites. Further similar protests are possible in university campuses and other major urban areas across India in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Approximately 50 masked assailants attacked students and staff in JNU at around 18:30 on January 5, throwing stones and vandalizing property. At least a dozen individuals were injured in the assault. Several opposition politicians have claimed that the leading Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is responsible for the mob attack.

JNU students have been protesting a fee price hike since it was announced on November 12, as well as more recently participating in anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) demonstrations. 

Advice

Individuals in India are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as violence may flare up without warning, and prepare for widespread disruptions to transportation, business, and telecommunications in protest-affected areas. If a demonstration is organized without warning, individuals are advised to refrain from crossing roadblocks, take shelter in a safe place, and avoid taking pictures. Travelers should adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities (especially if curfews are enforced) and their home governments.