India: General strike in Kashmir region August 30-31 /update 1

Event

Separatist groups have organized a general shutdown strike in the Kashmir Valley on Thursday, August 30, and Friday, August 31, to protest a Supreme Court hearing on Friday over Article 35A which could allow Indians outside of Kashmir to own property and work in the state's government. Related protests are possible in the coming hours and days. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Article 35A gives the state legislature - Jammu and Kashmir parliament- the power to define permanent residents of the state and grant associated rights and privileges.

On August 28, authorities imposed a shutdown of the city of Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley following allegations that the Indian Supreme Court had decided against Article 35A. Clashes between protesters and the security personnel occurred in several places, including Anantnag district, and the speed of mobile internet was reduced across the Kashmir Valley.

Advice

As a reminder for individuals present in India, authorities advise against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir with the exception of travel within the city of Jammu and travel within the region of Ladakh. Authorities strictly advise against all but essential travel to the city of Srinagar, the summer state capital of Jammu and Kashmir state.