India: Nationwide strike planned January 8-9

Event

Trade unions are calling for a bharat bandh, or nationwide strike, for Tuesday, January 8, and Wednesday, January 9. Public transportation, specifically buses, cabs, and autorickshaws, are expected to be affected by the strike, though metro rail, airport taxis, flights, and app-based services are expected to be available. Additionally, organizers are calling on demonstrators to block roads and highways. Schools and banks are also likely to be closed or have limited services on Tuesday and Wednesday. Kerala, Karnataka, and West Bengal states are expected to be the most affected by the strike.

Furthermore, strike organizers have called for various demonstrations across the country. Protesters are expected to gather at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday and a march is planned in Bengaluru from Town Hall to Freedom Park at 12:00 (local time) on Tuesday. Further demonstrations in other cities are possible.

Context

The strike is organized by a group of ten trade unions along with farmers unions. Farm unions previously staged a march from Uttarakhand to New Delhi in October 2018 and held a large rally in New Delhi in late November 2018.

Advice

Individuals in India, particularly in Kerala, Karnataka, and West Bengal states, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid any large demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate business and transportation disruptions.