Rebel Groups Continue to Wage Insurgency Against Indian Rule in Kashmir
Recent Clashes and Killings
Soldiers in Indian-administered Kashmir killed two suspected rebels during a firefight, police said today, hours after gunmen in a separate incident shot dead two members of a government-backed militia. The gun battle started last night in Sopore, in Kashmir’s north, when soldiers and police were searching for insurgents. “Two terrorists have been neutralised in Sopore encounter,” police said in a statement today posted on X after the night-long counter-insurgency operation.
Background of the Conflict
Muslim-majority Kashmir is home to a long-running insurgency and has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947, with both claiming the Himalayan territory in full. Rebel groups have for decades waged an insurgency against Indian rule, demanding independence for Kashmir or its merger with Pakistan.
Government-Backed Militia
The village defence guards are a militia force tasked with fighting off rebel attacks in the Hindu-dominated areas of the restive territory. This year the outfit, largely made up of Hindu civilians, was issued modern semi-automatic weapons and trained by the government forces following a surge in rebel attacks on civilians and soldiers.
Kashmir Tigers Claim Responsibility
Kashmir Tigers, a rebel group active in the territory in recent years, claimed in an Urdu language statement circulated by local media that the duo was killed after they were warned not to pursue rebels. The rebel group also released photos of the two bloodied bodies.
Police Investigation
Police said family members “have confirmed their identities” and that a joint police and army operation was underway to find their bodies in a forest where they had gone missing while tending to livestock. The area’s local lawmaker Sunil Sharma said in a statement late yesterday he was “deeply saddened by the horrific killing of two village defence guard members”.
Conflict Statistics
The conflict has left tens of thousands of soldiers, civilians, and insurgents dead, including at least 120 this year, figures compiled by AFP show. The frequency of rebel attacks and clashes with soldiers has increased in recent months, including the killing of seven construction workers in October and three soldiers this month.
Government Response
The New Delhi-appointed governor for the territory warned residents this month that households found to be sheltering rebels would be demolished. India regularly blames Pakistan for arming the rebels and helping them launch attacks in the Indian-controlled part of the territory, an allegation Islamabad denies.
Conclusion
The ongoing insurgency in Kashmir has resulted in significant human suffering and loss of life. The conflict has also led to increased tensions between India and Pakistan, with both countries accusing each other of supporting the rebels. The situation in Kashmir remains volatile, and it is unclear when a peaceful resolution will be achieved.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation in Kashmir?
A: The situation in Kashmir remains volatile, with ongoing insurgency and clashes between rebel groups and Indian security forces.
Q: Who are the rebel groups involved in the conflict?
A: Several rebel groups are active in Kashmir, including the Kashmir Tigers, who claimed responsibility for the recent killings.
Q: What is the government’s response to the conflict?
A: The Indian government has accused Pakistan of supporting the rebels and has warned residents that households found to be sheltering rebels will be demolished.
Q: How many people have been killed in the conflict?
A: According to figures compiled by AFP, at least 120 people have been killed in the conflict this year, including soldiers, civilians, and insurgents.