Canada asks its citizens travelling to India to be on alert

Canada today asked its citizens travelling to India to exercise a high degree of caution following widespread violence after the conviction of self- styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case.
Thousands of followers of Ram Rahim, who is the head of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda, went on the rampage today, setting fire to vehicles, buildings and railway stations soon after a special CBI court convicted him in a 2002 rape case.
"Following the conviction of a prominent sect leader on August 25, 2017, tensions remain high in the States of Punjab and Haryana, and various other areas," according to an advisory issued by the Canadian government.

"Tens of thousands of people have gathered in protest, some of which have become violent. Local authorities have placed Delhi on high alert do to sporadic violence. Various trains through Haryana and the Punjab have been cancelled and road closures and security checks have been imposed.
Power supplies, mobile internet and other telecommunication services are restricted in certain areas. If you are in one of the affected areas, limit your movements and monitor local media for the latest information," the advisory said.