India blocks mobile internet following violent protests in state of Gujarat

The Indian government has blocked mobile internet services following large violent protests by the Patel community in Ahmedabad and other cities in the state of Gujarat. Authorities are concerned about crowd mobilization since protesters have been using WhatsApp to make announcements. Some reports indicate mobile internet access is blocked in Ahmedabad, but other reports indicate the internet is blocked across the entire state of Gujarat.

The military has been deployed to Ahmedabad and Surat as the unrest enters day 3. At least seven people have been reported killed in the protests. Schools and businesses are closed.

Advice

Travellers should be aware of the political tension in the state of Gujarat after the detention of a Patel leader of the mass movement for fair quotas for the Patel caste. Protests have been occurring since July in Surat, Vadodara, Mehsana and in Ahmedabad. A curfew in is place for parts of Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Ramol, Nikol, Bapunagar, Ghatlodia, Naranpura, Odhav, Naroda, Krishnagar and Vadaj.

Avoid travel to this area during this period of civil unrest.