India, Pakistan: Heightened security and tensions likely along Line of Control after Islamabad accuses New Delhi of shooting, killing two civilians June 24

Event

Heightened security and increased tensions are likely along the Line of Control (LoC) between India-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days after Islamabad accused Indian troops of indiscriminately firing on a group of shepherds across the LoC June 24, killing two. The Pakistani army has cautioned that it reserves a right to retaliate following the incident, which Pakistan claims occurred in the Sattwal sector and injured one other civilian. The Indian military, for its part, said that its security forces intercepted infiltrators coming from Pakistan's side of the LoC in the Krishna Ghati sector and that one Indian soldier was wounded by gunfire in the incident.

Small-scale skirmishes between Indian and Pakistani security forces cannot be ruled out across the LoC over the short term.

Advice

Exercise increased vigilance if operating near the LoC and avoid any concentrations of security personnel. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security forces. If violence erupts near your location, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Heed all security and transport advisories.