India: Clashes in Kashmir region June 13-14

Event

A series of clashes involving Indian forces and separatist militants occurred in the Kashmir region between the evening (local time) of Wednesday, June 13, and the morning of Thursday, June 14.

On June 13, a Indian police officer and a civilian were injured after being shot by a militant in the village of Katho Hallan (Shopian district). On the same night in a separate incident a police officer and a civilian were kidnapped in Nowpora Payeen (Pulwama district). Finally, at least one Indian army personnel and two militants were killed in clashes that broke out in a forest in Bandipora district on June 14.

Tensions remain high in the region; further fighting between the Indian military and separatist militants, as well as between Pakistani and Indian forces, is possible in the area in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Since the beginning of May, clashes between Indian forces and both separatists militants and Pakistani forces have increased in the contested Kashmir region.

A ceasefire has technically been in place in the region since 2003. However, deadly clashes are common; over 800 incidents of ceasefire violations were reported in Kashmir in 2017 alone, resulting in the deaths of soldiers and civilians on both sides of the border. New Delhi and Islamabad both regularly accuse each other of initiating cross-border fighting.

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 Line of Control (border), due to the significant risk of violence.