India: Police fire tear gas at protesters in Kashmir June 2 /update 1

Event

Violence broke out between Indian security forces and protesters in Sringar (Kashmir) on Saturday, June 2. The fighting started after hundreds of people attended the funeral of a man who died after being run over by a paramilitary vehicle during a protest on Friday, June 1. Police started firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Residents said youths from the funeral organized into groups and threw stones at security forces in various parts of the city. According to media reports, at least a dozen people were wounded in the clashes. A curfew is in effect for parts of Sringar and internet service has reportedly been suspended. Further fighting and protests are possible in the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near protest sites.

Context

Tensions have been particularly high in Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan, in recent months. Social unrest, general strikes, and violent clashes between the Indian authorities and anti-India protesters are common.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to closely 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 Kashmir, notably areas along the Line of Control (LoC), due to the significant risk of violence.