India/Pakistan: New clashes in Kashmir May 22-23

Event

Four civilians have been killed and at least 30 individuals injured in a new exchange of gunfire and mortar shelling that broke out between Pakistani and Indian forces late on Tuesday, May 22. The clashes continued into Wednesday. The fighting occurred along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC), near the Indian districts of Jammu, Kathua, and Samba (Jammu and Kashmir state). According to the local authorities, the towns of Ranbir Singh Pura, Arnia, and Bishnah in Jammu district have been particularly impacted. Furthermore, at least 20 Indian civilians were injured in shelling in the region on Tuesday.

Tensions remain high and additional cross-border fire between Indian and Pakistani forces is possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

A ceasefire has been in place in the region since 2003. However, ceasefire violations are often reported, sometimes resulting in the deaths of soldiers and civilians on both sides of the border. New Delhi and Islamabad both regularly accuse each other of initiating cross-border clashes.

Tensions were particularly high in the region in February and March 2018, following an attack on an Indian army camp in which six soldiers died. Sporadic cross-border shelling and border skirmishes were reported throughout February and March. Since the beginning of May, several incidents resulting in casualties have occurred. On May 18, one member of the Indian Border Security Force was killed and two civilians were injured in an exchange of gunfire at the LoC near the Indian towns of Arnia and Ranbir Singh Pora (Jammu and Kashmir state).

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to parts of Jammu and Kashmir, notably areas along the LoC, due to the significant risk of violence.