India: Clashes between army, suspected militants in Kashmir Oct. 11

Event

On Wednesday, October 11, at 05:00 (local time), clashes in the town of Hajin (Bandipora district, Jammu Kashmir) between suspected Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) militants and Indian security forces, left at least two militants and two Indian commandos dead. Two more soldiers were reportedly injured. The confrontation occurred as security personnel were reportedly responding to information that militants were present in the area. Further clashes are likely in the coming days and weeks.

Context

On Sunday, October 8, and Monday, October 9, multiple clashes in Sopore, Keller, and Drang (Jammu and Kashmir) led to the deaths of one Indian soldier and four JeM militants, including a JeM commander responsible for the deadly October 3 attack on a Kashmir border security camp.

Kashmir's security forces have been under increased pressure in recent months as militants have stepped up attacks on police and military forces. JeM seeks to separate Kashmir from India and bring the territory under Pakistan's rule.

The Kashmir region has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Both claim the territory in its entirety.

Advice

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