Exercise caution, avoid protests by right-wing groups over the coming hours

ADVISORY-

The right-wing Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) groups have called for nationwide protests on 2 August over the communal violence in Nuh district (Haryana). Five people have been killed and 70 people have been injured in Nuh. Prohibitory orders (Section 144) remain in place in Gurugram and Nuh districts.

Security has been heightened in the capital New Delhi and in neighbouring parts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh states. The authorities in the capital are on high alert with anti-riot gear. Details of known protests are as follows. All times are in local:

·  New Delhi: According to local media reports, protests are likely at 23 places across the capital. Security has been heightened at the Nirman Vihar Metro Station, Patparganj Mother Dairy, Badarpur Border, Chhatarpur Chowk, Britannia Chowk and Naraina Chowk, among others.

·   Noida (Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh state): March from Noida Stadium (Sector 21A) towards Rajnigandha Chowk (Sector 16). Section 144 has been imposed in the district until 3 August.

·    Jaipur (Rajasthan state): Protests are likely at:

o    17.00: Pinjrapol Gaushala at Tonk Road Sanganer

o    18.00: Triveni Nagar square at Gopalpura Bypass

o    18.30: Bhavani Niketan College near Sikar road and Transport Nagar square

o    19.00: Gurjar ki Thadi intersection

·         Telangana state: Statewide protests.

ASSESSMENT 

Security in urban centres is likely to be pre-emptively heightened in communally sensitive areas and around religious places due to the risk of unrest. The demonstrations are expected to see moderate attendance and will be held amid heightened security. Potential flashpoints for protests include public squares and key intersections in major urban centres and district headquarters. Any unrest or attempts by protesters to blockade roads or impede traffic is likely to be met with a strong police response, including detentions, posing incidental risk to bystanders. There will be localised traffic disruption.

ADVICE 

·         Liaise with local contacts to remain apprised about the situation, including any planned or spontaneous gatherings.

·         Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. Exercise caution and follow all official directives.

·         Reconfirm the status of routes prior to setting out and allow additional travel time.

·         Do not attempt to drive through crowds.

·         Leave an area if protesters and/or police begin to gather there.

·         Monitor our SMS alerts and reports for related updates

International SOS is the leading security and health services company and has also published advice for organisations with employees or operating in the affected areas. Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 9,500 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune Global 500 as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. 13,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand by you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.