Violent protests in Rio: India issues advisory

India has asked its nationals visiting Rio de Janeiro, the scenic seaside resort city in Brazil famed for its beaches and carnival, to monitor the local media and follow the guidance of local authorities after violent street protests erupted against the government’s move to privatise the city’s water supply.
“Indian citizens visiting Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, are requested to monitor local media and follow the guidance of local authorities. In case they need consular assistance, they are requested to contact the Embassy of India in Brasilia at +55-61-32484006,” a travel advisory issued by India’s external affairs ministry said.
Sources added that the ministry was monitoring the situation and will advise further as required.
The travel advisory came in the backdrop of the police strike in some Brazilian provinces and the law and order situation arising out of it.
According to international media reports, more than 100 people have been killed during the strike against the federal and provincial governments.
The center of Rio de Janeiro faced another violent day on March 7 as more than 500 demonstrators stood in front of the city’s legislative building to protest the proposed economic reforms including a move to privatize Rio’s water supply distributor Cedae.
The privatization plan followed an agreement between the state and federal governments in return for federal aid.
The protests had begun peacefully, but later turned violent and spread to forcing shop-owners and even a metro station to close their doors.
Police outside the state provincial legislative building hurled gas and used stun grenades.

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