India: Deadly clashes reported in Srinagar (Kashmir) October 17

Event

Violent clashes broke out between Indian security forces and suspected terrorists in the Fateh Kadal area of Srinagar district (Jammu and Kashmir state) in the early morning hours (local time) of Wednesday, October 17. According to security officials, three fighters with suspected ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist group and one police officer were killed in the firefight. According to local sources, protests were reported in Srinagar following the clashes, prompting officials to deploy hundreds of security forces to the area. Authorities closed all schools in Srinagar on Wednesday and temporarily suspended mobile internet services to prevent the protests from spreading. A heightened security presence is to be anticipated in Srinagar in the coming days. Further attacks, as well as violent protests, are possible in Kashmir in the near-term.

Context

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 the affected areas are advised to closely 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 Kashmir, notably areas along the Line of Control (LoC), due to the significant risk of violence.