Travel

08
Jan 2025
6:37 UTC

India Tactical: Prohibitory orders issued in Mumbai from January 9-23; maintain vigilance

Current Situation:

  • The Mumbai Police imposed prohibitory orders effective from 00:01 (local time) on January 9 until 24:00 on January 23.
  • The directive prohibits gatherings of five or more individuals during this period.
  • Additionally, restrictions have been imposed on the use of loudspeakers, amplifiers, musical bands, and the bursting of firecrackers. Notwithstanding these limitations, exemptions have been granted for specific events, including marriages, funerals, and official government activities.
  • The order has been enacted in response to concerns regarding a potential “breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility.”

Assessments & Forecast:

  1. The restrictions appear to be predominantly preemptive in nature. While authorities have framed these measures as routine and not based on specific intelligence inputs, they are likely motivated by concerns over potential militant activity in the near term. Given the limited operational and tactical presence of Islamist militant groups, such as the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda-linked factions, the current threat level in the city does not indicate a any major risk of a militant attack. However, the approach of Republic Day on January 26 adds a further layer of security concern.
  2. In response to the prohibitory orders, standard security protocols will be implemented, including the increased deployment of police personnel, the installation of traffic barricades, random identity checks of vehicles and pedestrians, and the potential imposition of movement restrictions or prohibitory orders near government buildings and high-footfall areas. In the lead-up to Republic Day, vehicle inspections will also be intensified at the city’s entry and exit points.
  3. Furthermore, temporary road closures and additional prohibitory orders are anticipated around sensitive locations to facilitate random inspections. This is particularly relevant given the multiple music events scheduled in the city from January 18–21. These heightened security measures are likely to persist through the Republic Day period. Consequently, travel disruptions, including roadblocks and barricades, are expected to affect access to key commercial zones and public transportation routes in the coming weeks.

Recommendations:

Those operating or residing in Mumbai from January 9 to January 23 are advised to maintain vigilance due to security risks coupled with adherence to the aforementioned order and remain cognizant of additional directives in this regard.

COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Medium
AFFECTED AREA Mumbai, India
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Confirmed

Current Situation:

  • The Mumbai Police imposed prohibitory orders effective from 00:01 (local time) on January 9 until 24:00 on January 23.
  • The directive prohibits gatherings of five or more individuals during this period.
  • Additionally, restrictions have been imposed on the use of loudspeakers, amplifiers, musical bands, and the bursting of firecrackers. Notwithstanding these limitations, exemptions have been granted for specific events, including marriages, funerals, and official government activities.
  • The order has been enacted in response to concerns regarding a potential “breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquility.”

Assessments & Forecast:

  1. The restrictions appear to be predominantly preemptive in nature. While authorities have framed these measures as routine and not based on specific intelligence inputs, they are likely motivated by concerns over potential militant activity in the near term. Given the limited operational and tactical presence of Islamist militant groups, such as the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda-linked factions, the current threat level in the city does not indicate a any major risk of a militant attack. However, the approach of Republic Day on January 26 adds a further layer of security concern.
  2. In response to the prohibitory orders, standard security protocols will be implemented, including the increased deployment of police personnel, the installation of traffic barricades, random identity checks of vehicles and pedestrians, and the potential imposition of movement restrictions or prohibitory orders near government buildings and high-footfall areas. In the lead-up to Republic Day, vehicle inspections will also be intensified at the city’s entry and exit points.
  3. Furthermore, temporary road closures and additional prohibitory orders are anticipated around sensitive locations to facilitate random inspections. This is particularly relevant given the multiple music events scheduled in the city from January 18–21. These heightened security measures are likely to persist through the Republic Day period. Consequently, travel disruptions, including roadblocks and barricades, are expected to affect access to key commercial zones and public transportation routes in the coming weeks.

Recommendations:

Those operating or residing in Mumbai from January 9 to January 23 are advised to maintain vigilance due to security risks coupled with adherence to the aforementioned order and remain cognizant of additional directives in this regard.

COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Medium
AFFECTED AREA Mumbai, India
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Confirmed