India: Shutdown strike in Jammu and Kashmir March 5 /update 1

Event

Jammu and Kashmir trade unions called for a shutdown strike on Tuesday, March 5, to protest the Indian's government ban on Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) organization and legal challenges to Article 35-A and Article 370 of the constitution granting special privileges to Kashmir. According to local sources, significant business and transportation disruptions were reported in Srinagar on Tuesday. Continuing disruptions are to be expected in Srinagar and other areas in Jammu and Kashmir state in the coming hours and days.

Context

JI separatists, among other separatist groups, 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 area are advised to monitor developments to the situation, 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.