From a Jain Dharma perspective, ahimsa (non-violence) is the highest virtue, but it does not mean passivity in the face of danger. In communal riots, the aim is to protect life while causing as little harm as possible. Here are some practical, Jain-aligned steps:

• Prioritize safety and non-harm: If you are in danger, seek shelter in a safe, protected place. Do not engage in violence; try to move away and keep others around you safe too.
• Protect others without aggression: If you can help others escape or find safety without putting yourself at risk, do so. Use calm, non-confrontational actions to guide people to safety.
• Use nonviolent, constructive action: If you must act in a crowd, choose nonviolent means—alert authorities, call for medical help, coordinate with calm volunteers, and facilitate evacuation zones.
• Avoid provoking or retaliating: Do not hit back, shout insults, or escalate tensions. Maintain calm, compassionate presence; your steadiness can prevent further harm.
• Practice empathy and equanimity: Remember the jivs (living beings) of all communities are precious. Try to understand suffering on all sides and work toward de-escalation.
• Aftercare and healing: Once safe, support reconciliation efforts, assist in relief and medical aid, and participate in dialogue to address underlying tensions.
• Uphold truth with restraint: Speak the truth and stand for justice and protection of life, but avoid actions that create further harm or violence.
• Seek spiritual refuge: In moments of fear, turn inward to prayer, reflection on ahimsa, and the vow to protect life wherever possible.

Important nuance across traditions:

• Digambar and Shwetambar traditions both hold ahimsa as supreme. In extreme danger, the emphasis is on reducing harm and protecting life; righteous action may require courage and restraint rather than aggression.
• Jain ethics teaches to use the least amount of violence necessary and to renounce violent means as far as possible. If safety requires courageous action, the guiding principle remains: minimize harm while protecting lives.

If you’d like, I can share a short sutra or verse from Jain texts that reflects ahimsa and protective conduct, and explain its exact meaning in both Digambar and Shwetambar contexts.