India: Curfews remain in place in Kashmir /update 2

Event

Hundreds of people were stranded along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway on Monday, May 29, after authorities prevented vehicles from moving into the Kashmir Valley. These restrictions were imposed after thousands of people defied a government-imposed curfew the day prior to attend the funeral of Sazar Ahmad Bhat, former leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen armed group. Curfew restrictions remain in place in the districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian; restrictions are also in place in seven police station areas in Srinagar and Sopore.

Additionally, Pakistan has violated a ceasefire with India, reportedly carrying out unprovoked mortar shelling and firing automatic weapons at various places along the Line of Control (LoC) in the districts of Rajouri and Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir) on Thursday, June 1. Violations along the LoC have increased in frequency in recent months, notably following a terrorist attack carried out in 2016 in Uri and January 2017 surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army across the LoC.

Context

Hizbul Mujahideen is one of the largest local militant groups and has been fighting against Indian rule since an armed rebellion started in 1989. Bhat was killed during an overnight raid in the Tral area on May 27 and violent anti-India protests took place throughout the Kashmir region in reaction to his death. At least one person was killed and ten wounded in the demonstrations.

Advice

Individuals present in India are advised to stay away from all demonstrations, adhere to all instructions issued by authorities, and monitor developments to the situation. Anticipate localized transportation disruptions and avoid affected areas as much as possible.

As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the west of Jammu and Kashmir state and against all travel to the border region with Pakistan (direct vicinity of the LoC) due to the high threat of terrorism.