India: Multiple shootings leave six dead in Kashmir September 27 /update 3

Event

Multiple shooting incidents left at least six people dead in Kashmir on Thursday, September 27. According to an Indian military official, a soldier and three militants were killed in firefights in Budgam and Anantnag districts on Thursday; soldiers also reportedly killed a construction worker in another unreported area and one other person while on patrol in Srinagar, prompting thousands of people to gather for the latter's funeral in violation of a curfew imposed in Kashmir following a recent uptick in violent incidents.

Further unrest is likely in Kashmir in the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated near demonstration sites.

Context

Insurgents (locals or Pakistani nationals) have been fighting Indian rule in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. Some 70,000 people have died and many more have been injured in related violence, uprisings, and military crackdowns. The Indian government has been conducting several security operations in the region recently and temporarily suspended mobile Internet services on September 25.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate travel disruptions, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to parts of Kashmir, notably including areas along the Line of Control (LoC), due to the significant risk of violence.