Protesters in UK cities voice concerns over alleged developments in Bastar region

By A Representative 

Demonstrations were held across several cities in the United Kingdom on March 28, as groups and activists gathered to protest what they described as state actions in India under the reported “Operation Kagar.”

According to a press release issued by the Joint Committee to Stop Repression in India, protests took place in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Nottingham as part of an international day of action. The mobilisation was linked to calls by groups including the International Committee to Support the People’s War in India and the Forum Against Corporatisation and Militarisation, coinciding with what organisers termed “Anti-Imperialism Week.”

Organisers alleged that the operation involves increased security activity in parts of central and eastern India, particularly in the Bastar region, which they described as heavily militarised. The claims, including references to violence against Adivasi communities and Maoist-linked groups, could not be independently verified.

In Manchester, protesters gathered to highlight links between Tata Steel and the Henry Royce Institute at the University of Manchester. Demonstrators expressed concerns over corporate involvement in resource extraction and broader political issues.

In London, a protest took place outside the Science Museum, focusing on its reported association with Adani Green Energy. Participants distributed leaflets and called for the museum to end ties with the Adani Group. Some attendees also interacted with passersby and other demonstrations in the area.

In Glasgow, demonstrators protested outside offices associated with American International Group (AIG), citing its business links with the Adani Group. In Nottingham, a separate protest targeted the University of Nottingham over its partnerships with defence and technology companies.

The protests included speeches, chants and distribution of informational material. Organisers said the demonstrations aimed to raise awareness of what they view as the impact of corporate and state policies in India, as well as broader global political and economic links.

The press release also referenced allegations of incidents involving activists in Delhi earlier in March; however, no independent confirmation of these claims was immediately available.

There has been no official response from the Government of India regarding the specific allegations mentioned in the statement. The Indian government has previously maintained that its security operations in Maoist-affected regions are aimed at combating insurgency and ensuring law and order.

The demonstrations concluded without reports of major disruptions, according to the organisers.