India: Student protests continue in Mumbai January 7 /update 2

Event

Mumbai police authorities have reportedly forced hundreds of protesting students out of the Gateway of India in the morning (local time) on Tuesday, January 7, demanding that protests be relocated to Azad Maidan.

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

Context

Students in Mumbai have been staging protests at the Gateway of India since Sunday, January 5, to denounce a violent attack on students and staff of Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) earlier in the day.

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 Mumbai, and India in general, 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.