NEW DELHI: India on Monday issued an advisory for its citizens residing in Italy after protests over the rising cost of living broke out into violent clashes in Milan.In a social media post on X, Indian embassy in Italy advised Indian nationals to exercise caution and avoid crowded areas and locations where protests are taking place.“There were protests and demonstrations last week in some Italian cities,” the embassy said.“We advise Indian nationals to exercise caution, avoid crowded areas & locations where protests are taking place and follow local news about such events,” it added.
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It also issued helpline numbers in Rome and Consulate General of India in Milan in case of emergency.“In case of any emergency, Indian nationals can contact: Embassy of India, Rome: +39 331 614 2085 , Consulate General of India, Milan: +39 3881647527,” it said.This comes after more than 5,000 people gathered in Milan over the weekend.Police deployed tear gas and water cannons after protesters threw paving stones, bins and chairs at officers.Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to hold an emergency security meeting on Monday. “To demonstrate is a right. To lay our cities to waste is not,” Meloni said on Saturday, adding that “hooligans” had exploited the protests to “sow chaos”.Rioting and violence have broken out on the sidelines of mostly peaceful youth-led protests in other European countries including France, Spain and Albania.