India: Travel restrictions amid protests in Kashmir October 27

Event

Authorities have imposed restrictions in various areas of the Kashmir Valley after separatist leaders called on their supporters to observe Friday, October 27, as a “black day.” The protest is occurring on Accession Day, the anniversary of the day Jammu and Kashmir state joined the Dominion of India in 1947. Heavy security contingents have been deployed, banning pedestrian and vehicular movements in certain areas. Railway services have also been suspended as a precautionary measure.

Context

Kashmir's security forces have been under increased pressure in recent months as militants have stepped up attacks on police and military troops. Armed clashes between separatist protesters, who oppose Indian rule, and government forces have also become more frequent since the killing of popular militant leader Burhan Wani by security forces in July 2016, which sparked widespread unrest in which more than 100 people were killed. Tensions were stoked again in late May 2017 after Sazar Ahmad Bhat, another former leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen, was killed during a security operation. Violent anti-India protests took place throughout the region following his death.

Advice

As a reminder, some foreign governments advise against travel to Jammu and Kashmir, in particular to the border region with Pakistan, due to the high threat of terrorism and other violence.