India: Violent clashes in Kashmir leave at least 20 dead

Event

At least 13 suspected militants and three Indian soldiers were killed in clashes during an Indian military operation in Shopian and Anantnag districts, Kashmir (Jammu and Kashmir) on Sunday, April 1. Gun battles were reported between security personnel and suspected militants in the villages of Kachdoora and Draged-Sugan (Shopian) and Dialgam (Anatnag district) throughout the day. According to local reporting, residents gathered on the streets in an apparent attempt to protest the military operation, with civilians throwing stones at armed forces. Anti-government protests also erupted in Srinagar city. Security forces used tear gas and pellets in an attempt to disperse the crowds, before using live ammunition. At least four civilians were killed and some 70 others reportedly wounded in the army crackdown. Large crowds also gathered on Sunday to join the funeral procession for those killed, including the suspected militants.

The military operation has triggered a wave of anger throughout the Kashmir Valley. Authorities have imposed a number of precautionary measures in an attempt to prevent further protests and associated violence. Schools and universities remain closed on Monday, April 2. A temporary internet shutdown implemented across much of the Kashmir region on Sunday in an attempt to prevent further protests from being organized. Disruptions to internet and other communication services may continue in the coming days. Train services to  southern Kashmir have also been suspended, while Pulwama district’s local administration has enforced restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles.

Additional military operations in the region should not be discounted. Further protests and associated violence are likely throughout Kashsmir over the coming days.

Context

The latest clashes are the worst since three-day clashes that took place in March in northern Kashmir that left ten dead. Indian armed forces continue to launch operations against members of the secessionist Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba groups, who challenge India's sovereignty over the Jammu and Kashmir region. Tensions have been particularly high in the region in recent months, with often deadly sporadic cross-border shelling and border skirmishes between Pakistani and Indian armed forces at the Line of Control (LoC).

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to closely 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, notably areas along the Line of Control (LoC), due to the significant risk of violence.