India: Security lockdown enters second day in Kashmir December 17

Event

Indian soldiers and police enforced a security lockdown in Kashmir for a second consecutive day on Monday, December 17, to stifle planned anti-India protests and an associated march organized by separatists following the deaths of several people in a recent Indian counterinsurgency operation. Security forces have reportedly deployed to the streets of Srinagar and have sealed off major roads into the city, halted scheduled train routes, and suspended mobile Internet services.

Nevertheless, anti-India activists may stage related demonstrations in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir over the coming days amid a heightened security presence. Localized traffic disruptions and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the region in its entirety. Insurgents have been fighting Indian rule in Kashmir since 1989. Some 70,000 people have died and many more have been injured in related violence, uprisings, and military crackdowns. Recently, the Indian government has conducted several security operations in the region amid rising tensions and sporadic violence.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate telecommunication disruptions, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to parts of Kashmir, notably including areas along the Line of Control (LoC), due to the significant risk of violence.