India: Two killed in attack in Kashmir region June 14

Event

Two individuals, a journalist and his police bodyguard, were shot and killed on Thursday, June 14, in Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir state). They were fired at by unknown attackers. Another police bodyguard and a driver were injured in the attack.

Tensions remain high in the region between the Indian military and separatist militants, as well as between Pakistani and Indian forces. Due to these tensions, journalists are frequently targeted by separatist militants.

Context

Clashes between Indian forces and both separatists militants and Pakistani forces have increased in the contested Kashmir region since the beginning of May. A ceasefire has technically been in place in the region since 2003. However, deadly clashes are common; over 800 incidents of ceasefire violations were reported in Kashmir in 2017 alone, 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 fighting.

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 state, notably areas along the Line of Control (border), due to the significant risk of violence.