MAX Security Report [email protected] +44 203 540 0434

MAX Security Report [email protected] +44 203 540 0434 Protest India Tactical: Release of controversial film on 23 January 25 expected to trigger nationwide JAN protests by Rajput community; maintain 12:30 UTC vigilance Please be advised • According to reports from January 23 quoting their leader, the Rajput activist Karni Sena organization will hold protests nationwide on January 25 against the release of a controversial Bollywood film. The group believes that the film presents the Rajput community in a negative light, and their leadership has pledged that “if screening of the film is not stopped, members of our community will not stop from demolishing screens in theaters”. • Intermittent protests against the film occurred across Gurgaon, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh on January 22-23, as protesters blocked roads and demonstrated outside cinema halls. Reports also indicate vandalism of a mall in Gurgaon on January 22 by suspected Karni Sena activists, with the organization denying any involvement and attributing the attack to mischievous elements. • On January 18, the Supreme Court ruled that the states of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat must allow the unimpeded release of the film. The same day, suspected Karni Sena activists allegedly attacked a cinema hall in Bihar, and the Hindu right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and allied Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organizations extended support for a ban on the movie. • Karni Sena supporters gathered outside the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) office in Mumbai on January 12, with 100 activists detained by police personnel shortly after. The organization held its largest protest march against the film in Surat, Gujarat on November 12 2017, page 1 / 4 which reportedly drew participation in excess of 100,000. page 2 / 4 page 3 / 4 Assessments 1. Despite the widespread opposition, it appears the movie will be released across all states on January 25 given the Supreme Court verdict. Instances of unrest are likely to be witnessed across the northern states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, all traditional strongholds of the Rajput community. Unrest may also be triggered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, as it is the hub of the Bollywood film industry and hosts the main office of the CBFC. 2. The threat of unrest is exacerbated by the Karni Sena’s avowed plans to commit acts of violence upon release of the film, as well as support from other groups like the RSS, who have a strong presence and significant mobilization capabilities in the same areas. There is also an increased possibility of violence orchestrated by miscreants under the garb of film- related protests, as witnessed by the vandalism in Gurgaon. In addition, the protesters will likely be emboldened by perceptions of governmental support for their cause, given the support extended by the RSS and VHP, both known to be allied to the ruling government. 3. The anticipated protests will likely elicit a significant response from law enforcement personnel, with an expected security deployment numbering in the thousands across the aforementioned states. This escalates the potential for clashes between demonstrators and police personnel expectedly seeking to disperse protests. Recommendations 1. Those operating or residing across India, especially in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, are advised to maintain vigilance for the risk of civil unrest associated with the screening of the film on January 25, as well as into the following days. 2. Individuals are also advised against public conversations on the issue due to its controversial nature. page 4 / 4 Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org).

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