India/Pakistan: Jammu and Kashmir related demonstrations planned Oct. 27

Event

Multiple civil society organizations and political groups have called for a complete shutdown of commercial services and other related strikes in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, October 27, to commemorate Accession Day (known as Black Day in Pakistan and by separatists in Jammu and Kashmir). Pro-separatist rallies are also scheduled in the Pakistani cities of Islamabad and New Mirpur City on October 27. A heightened security presence is expected at demonstration cites and clashes between separatists and Indian government forces are possible throughout the region.

Context

Accession Day is a holiday in Jammu and Kashmir, during which separatist groups and affiliated organizations throughout Pakistan typically hold demonstrations to condemn the perceived illegal occupation. The strike on October 27 is supported by the Joint Resistance Leadership, the Jammu Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, and Jamat-e-Islami, among others.

Indian armed forces continue to launch operations against members of the secessionist Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba groups, who challenge India's sovereignty over Kashmir. Tensions have been particularly high in the region in recent months, with often deadly sporadic cross-border shelling and border skirmishes between Pakistani and Indian armed forces at the Line of Control (LoC).

Advice

Individuals in India and Pakistan, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.