Paris: India has asked its citizens in France, as well as those planning to travel there, to stay alert and take precautions as protests, street violence and localised curfews continue in several parts of the country, PTI reported.
The Embassy of India in Paris said Indians should steer clear of demonstrations, large crowds and areas where unrest is occurring. It also asked them to comply with directions from French authorities.
“In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution,” the embassy said.
The advisory was issued as France deals with escalating demonstrations that have at times turned destructive. What started as student protests over the state of high schools has grown into broader public anger over rising prices, living expenses and the condition of public services. Incidents of looting, arson and confrontations with police have been reported.
Indian nationals were advised to keep track of developments through local media and official information on the French government’s website, gouvernement.fr. They were also asked to monitor possible transport disruptions through RATP, the state-owned operator serving the Paris region.
The embassy said those facing an emergency could reach out to the Embassy of India in Paris or the Consulate General of India in Marseille.
School Protests Fuel Nationwide UnrestS
The protests began in late September after students raised concerns about overcrowded and poorly funded schools. They later expanded into large nationwide marches focusing on inflation, the cost of living and cuts or strains in public services.
Violence broke out on the sidelines of demonstrations on October 17. Authorities subsequently imposed curfews in parts of Paris and other cities, including Lille, Lyon and Nice, while Marseille placed limits on gatherings and protests.
According to media reports, over 2,400 people were detained during the weekend disturbances and close to 1,000 police personnel sustained injuries.
President Emmanuel Macron has said his government would work to ensure the violence is not repeated, even as protest organisers prepare additional demonstrations.
France’s leading student union and the Yellow Vest movement, a grassroots campaign that staged major protests over fuel prices in 2018 and 2019, have called for rallies on Saturday. Trade unions have separately announced a strike on November 5 to press demands relating to living costs and public-service cuts.
