India: Protests possible nationwide as of April 11 over recent violence during Hindu processions in several states

Event

Protests and communal clashes are possible across India as of April 11 following violence during Hindu processions for the Ram Navami observance in several states, including Gujarat, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, the previous day. Hindu outfits may hold demonstrations in the coming days to denounce the violence, especially in northern Indian states. Hindu-Muslim clashes remain possible in areas where incidents have occurred. Affected areas include:

• Delhi: Clashes at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) resulted in at least sixteen injuries after a group opposed the serving of non-vegetarian food in a hostel mess during a religious ritual for Ram Navami occasion. Most Hindus follow a strict vegetarian diet.

• Gujarat State: Clashes in Kambhat city killed at least one person and injured another. Violence also occurred in Himmatnagar city. Police used tear gas to disperse mobs engaged in arson.

• Karnataka State: Authorities have imposed Section 144 orders through at least April 11 after miscreants pelted stones at a Ram Navami procession the night of April 8. Six people sustained minor injuries, while at least two vehicles suffered damage.

• Jharkhand State: Clashes broke out after unknown people attacked a Ram Navami procession in the Lohardaga District with stones; reports indicate at least six injuries and damage to several vehicles.

• Madhya Pradesh State: Violent clashes, arson, and vandalism following stone-pelting during the Ram Navami procession in Khargone resulted in 24 injuries. Authorities have imposed Section 144 orders prohibiting the carriage of arms in public and gatherings of over four people in public places across Khargone town until further notice. A curfew is also in effect in Sanjay Nagar, Talab Chowk, and Tavdi areas.

• Rajasthan State: Minor skirmishes occurred in Bharatpur between Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) protesters and police over the use of loudspeakers during Ram Navami processions. The state administration has imposed controls under Section 144 in at least 17 out of 33 districts through at least May 8 due to several festivals occurring in the period.

• West Bengal State: Processions faced violent attacks in areas such as Howrah and Shibpur; the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to hold protests denouncing the violence.

Security personnel will likely monitor protests and could try to disperse disruptive gatherings. Popular protest venues include public squares, major intersections, transport hubs, and government buildings. Demonstrators may march on or block roadways near gathering sites. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible, though operations of multinational corporations are unlikely to be affected. Demonstrations are likely to pass peacefully; however, skirmishes between police and protesters are possible during larger rallies in major cities.

Enhanced security measures, such as localized controls on public movement and telecommunication services, are possible in case of fresh violence, mainly during religious processions for Mahavir Jayanti (April 14) and Hanuman Jayanti (April 16).

Advice

Avoid protests as a security precaution. If violence breaks out nearby, leave the area immediately and seek shelter at a safe, nongovernment building. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks, as protesters may react violently. Allow additional travel time near gatherings. Monitor trusted local media sources for protest details, as organizers may not announce them in advance. Follow all security and traffic advisories.