07 Mar 2019 | 07:36 AM UTC
India: Suspected grenade attack in Jammu March 7 /update 1
Officials report at least 18 people wounded by suspected grenade attack at a bus stop in Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir state) on March 7; details still emerging
Event
A suspected grenade attack targeted a bus stop in central Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir state) on the afternoon (local time) of Thursday, March 7. According to initial reports, at least 18 people were wounded in the blast. Security forces have cordoned off the area and an investigation into the explosion is ongoing. Details are still emerging.
Context
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.
Tensions significantly escalated between India and Pakistan after the IAF conducted airstrikes on a a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp near Balakot (Pakistan) on February 26. JeM recently claimed responsibility for a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack in Pulwama district (Jammu and Kashmir) on February 14, killing at least 40 Indian paramilitary officers. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers.
Advice
Individuals in Jammu are advised to avoid the area of the blast, remain vigilant, and adhere to all instructions (e.g. curfews, road blocks, checkpoints, etc.) issued by 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.
