India: JKLF separatists organize general strike in Kashmir February 9, 11

Event

The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) separatist group organized a general strike in Kashmir on Sunday, February 9, in observance of the anniversary of the death of Afzal Guru, a Kashmiri militant involved in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack. Disruptions to transportation, business, and mobile Internet service were reported in Kashmir, including in Srinagar, on Sunday amid a heightened Indian security presence. The JKLF has also called for a general strike on Tuesday, February 11, in observance of the anniversary of the death of Maqbool Bhat, founder of the National Liberation Front, a Kashmiri separatist group and progenitor of the JKLF.

Continuing disruptions to transportation, business, and mobile Internet service are to be expected in Kashmir over the coming days amid a heightened security presence.  

Advice

Individuals in Kashmir are advised to monitor developments to the situation, prepare for lingering disruptions, avoid all demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

Some foreign embassies maintain travel advisories for the disputed region and advise against all but essential travel, notably in areas along the Line of Control (LoC), due to the significant risk of violence.