India: At least 11 people wounded during protest in Shopian (Kashmir) Jan. 13

Event

At least 11 people were wounded when security forces clashed with protesters during a funeral held in the village of Sugan (Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir) on Sunday, January 13. According to local sources, the demonstrators gathered to mourn the death of a militant commander killed by security forces in Yaripora (Kulgam district) on Saturday, January 12. The protesters reportedly clashed with security forces who responded by firing live ammunition at the demonstrators. A heightened security presence is anticipated in the area in the coming days. Further protests cannot be ruled out.

Context

Insurgents 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. Recently, the Indian government has conducted several security operations in the region amid rising tensions and sporadic violence.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, 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.