India: Police officer killed in militant attack on politician in Kashmir July 16

Event

On Monday, July 16, militants attacked the convoy of a politician of the National Conference party near Pulwama (Kashmir), killing one police officer and wounding another. The militants reportedly escaped the scene with police rifles. Kashmiri authorities reported that the politician was unharmed and blamed the Zahoor Thokar group of Hizbul Mujahideen for the attack. An investigation into the incident is underway. Additional militant attacks on political figures are possible in Kashmir in the near-term.

Context

Thus far in 2018, 44 security personnel have been killed in militant attacks in Kashmir.

Advice

Individuals in Kashmir are advised to avoid all public gatherings or protests and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to parts of Kashmir, notably areas along the Line of Control (border), due to the significant risk of violence.