India: Security operation ongoing in Kashmir September 25 /update 1

Event

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir state closed schools and temporarily suspended mobile internet service in the town of Sopore on Tuesday, September 25. The measures were put in place following a gun battle between security forces and suspected militants in the village of Nowpora in the Tujjar area. Search operations are ongoing as of Tuesday afternoon (local time). It is unclear when classes and internet services will resume. Further clashes between security forces and militants are possible in the near-term.

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.

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.