India: Curfew imposed in Srinagar in preparation for Kashmir protests July 8 /update 7

Event

India reportedly imposed a curfew across Srinagar in anticipation of protests and strikes on Monday, July 8. The exact time and duration of the curfew remain unclear. Pro-separatist groups called for protests to be held for the three-year anniversary of the death of Burhan Wani, a former Kashmiri militant. Schools, colleges, and shops are reportedly closed, and public transport is shut in the city until further notice. A heightened security presence has also been reported, while mobile internet service has been suspended in parts of Jammu & Kashmir state, including in Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Separatists have been fighting Indian rule in Kashmir since 1989. Around 70,000 people have been killed and many more injured in related violence, uprisings, and military crackdowns. Indian security personnel have been conducting frequent security operations and have clashed with suspected militants in recent weeks.

Advice

Individuals in Jammu & Kashmir state, particularly the abovementioned districts, are advised to monitor the situation, maintain redundant modes of communication, anticipate telecommunication and transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence, avoid all public demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

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.