India: General shutdown in Kashmir region on Aug. 31 / Sept. 1

Event

On August 28, authorities imposed a shutdown on the city of Srinagar (summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir state) and some other parts of the Kashmir Valley following rumours that the Supreme Court had scrapped Article 35A. As a result, all shops, public transport and businesses were closed down. Clashes between protesters and the security personnel occurred in several places (e.g. Anantnag district). The speed of mobile internet was reduced across the Kashmir Valley. Local tensions are likely to continue in this sensitive area of the country with separatists calling for a general shutdown on Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1.

Context

Article 35A gives powers to the state legislature (Jammu & Kashmir parliament) to define permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir, along with associated privileges.

Advice

As a reminder for individuals present in India, authorities advise against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir with the exception of travel within the city of Jammu and travel within the region of Ladakh. Authorities strictly advise against all but essential travel to the city of Srinagar, the summer state capital of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) state.