India: Multiple organizations plan protest at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi, Jharkhand State, July 15

Event

Opposition political parties and civil society organizations plan to hold a protest outside the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi, Jharkhand State, July 15. The reported purpose of the demonstration is to denounce the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a Jesuit priest, notable for his social activism, recently died in custody after being arrested by federal authorities in late 2020 for alleged links to Maoist guerillas. Participation in the demonstration will likely be in the hundreds to low thousands.

Police will almost certainly deploy numerous personnel around the Raj Bhavan as a precaution during the protest. Activists are likely to march along and occupy sections of roadways, causing localized ground transport disruptions. Clashes between police and protesters are possible, especially if security forces attempt to forcibly disperse demonstrators.

Advice

Avoid the Raj Bhavan and adjacent areas during the July 15 protest. Allow additional time for ground transport. Heed the instructions of local security personnel and immediately depart the area at the first sign of a confrontation.