India: Two militants killed, 14 protesters injured in Kashmir Valley July 30

Event

Two militants believed to be members of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorist group were killed by security forces during an operation in India-administered Pulwama (Kashmir) on Sunday, July 30. The operation took place amid continued social unrest and violence in the region; later in the day, residents clashed with security forces in Pulwama, prompting law enforcement to use tear gas and pellets to disperse the crowds. Fourteen protesters were injured, including one person who was reportedly shot and taken to the hospital. Authorities have shut down internet service in the region in an attempt to curb protests.

Context

Hizb-ul-Mujahideen is the primary terrorist group operating in India-administered Kashmir, but is headquartered in Muzaffarabad, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Hizb-ul-Mujahideen is affiliated with several local terrorist groups active in the Indian Kashmir Valley and across Pakistan, such as Jamaat-e-Islami, as well as with Afghan terrorist organizations, such as Hizb-e-Islami. The group is believed to have established ties with the Pakistani military intelligence.

Kashmir's security forces have been under increased pressure in recent months as militants have stepped up attacks on police and military troops. Armed clashes between protesters, who oppose Indian rule, and government forces have also become more frequent since the killing of popular militant leader Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8, 2016, which sparked widespread unrest in which more than 100 people were killed. Tensions were stoked again in late May 2017 after Sazar Ahmad Bhat, another former leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen, was killed during a security operation. Violent anti-India protests took place throughout the region in reaction to his death.

Advice

As a reminder, some foreign governments advise against travel to parts of Jammu and Kashmir state, in particular the border region with Pakistan, due to the high threat of terrorism and other violence.