India: Violent clashes in Kashmir on June 7 /update 1

Event

Violent clashes between separatist militants and Indian soldiers broke out along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran area of Kashmir on Thursday, June 7. According to local sources, at least two Indian soldiers were wounded in the fighting. 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 Kashmir region. A ceasefire has been in place in Kashmir since 2003. However, 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 clashes.

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