14 Oct 2017 | 10:01 PM UTC
India: Police kill two LeT militants in Kashmir
Security forces kill two Lashkar-e-Taiba militants, including a senior commander, during a raid in Litter, Kashmir, on October 14; protests break out
Event
Indian security forces killed two members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant group in Kashmir on Saturday, October 14. According to officials, the militants were shot while attempting to escape a police cordon around a house in the village of Litter. One of the LeT members is believed to be a senior commander for the group. At least one civilian also died and several others were wounded during the fighting. Following the raid, anti-Indian protests broke out in the Pulwama district. Residents clashed with police officers in several areas of Kashmir. Internet services were reportedly temporarily suspended. Additional protests may occur in the coming days.
Context
Kashmir's security forces have been under increased pressure in recent months as militants have stepped up attacks on police and military forces. The LeT is one of several separatist groups that operate in Kashmir, fighting for the region to become independent or merge with Pakistan.
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..
