India: General strike continues in Srinagar and Kashmir Valley

Event

Major disruptions and a heavy security presence are to be anticipated in parts of Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley as of Tuesday, April 3, as separatists continue their protest shutdown (general strike) to denounce the killings of four civilians in Shopian district on April 1. Reinforced security measures will remain in force in seven police station areas of Srinagar and other sensitive areas in southern Kashmir, where large contingents of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) paramilitary agents have been deployed. Shops, businesses, and educational institutions remained closed in the valley for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, with public transportation suspended.

Context

Tensions have been particularly high in the region, claimed by both India and Pakistan, in recent months. Sporadic - and often deadly - cross-border shelling and border skirmishes regularly break out between Pakistani and Indian armed forces at the Line of Control (LoC) and social unrest is common. 

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to parts of Jammu and Kashmir State, notably areas along the LoC, due to the significant risk of violence.