India: Mobile internet suspended in Kashmir amidst clashes with militants May 6

Event

On Wednesday, May 6, authorities suspended mobile internet service in Kashmir amid clashes with militants in Awantipora and Khrew. Security forces announced the suspension was precautionary, but did not specify when service will resume. In addition, a commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist group, Riyaz Naikoo, was killed by security forces in the town Wednesday afternoon (local time).

Separately, security forces killed two militants during clashes in the vicinity of Sharshali village in the Khrew area of Pulwama district (Jammu and Kashmir territory) on Wednesday, May 6.

Operations are ongoing as of Wednesday afternoon, and further engagements between security forces and militants in Pulwama district, Awantipora, and Jammu and Kashmir territory more generally, are expected over the near term. Revenge attacks by militant groups and protests are to be expected in response to Naikoo's death.

Advice

Individuals in Kashmir are advised to monitor developments, prepare for continuing telecommunications disruptions, remain vigilant for protester, militant, and military activity, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

Some foreign 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.