Officials said Wednesday that India had increased security in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of a G20 tourism meeting in the Himalayas due to an upsurge in militant strikes.
Srinagar, the summer capital of the federal territory, will host a G20 tourism working group conference on May 22-24, part of a series of events leading up to a September G20 summit in New Delhi.
This year, Islamist militants in Jammu, across the Himalayas from Srinagar, have increased attacks.
Four Jammu attacks this year killed ten soldiers and seven civilians.
Security officials fear separatist militants may attack before or during the G20 gathering to promote their cause.
“The timing of these attacks is worrisome as they are planned just before the G20 meeting,” said a senior Indian army officer in the region. He declined to be identified since he is not authorized to speak to the media.
Militants may kidnap pupils at a Jammu military school, according to police and military intelligence.
They reported that such institutions were closed, and classes were relocated online until after the G20 meeting.
Officers claimed Srinagar security is cautious.
Reuters reported that Kashmir Valley police head Vijay Kumar had deployed commandos and counter-terrorism forces throughout the city.
Since 1989, Muslim militants have fought the Indian government from Srinagar.
Although violence has decreased, tens of thousands have died.
India accuses Pakistan of sponsoring Muslim rebels. Pakistan claims India violates Kashmiri Muslims’ rights. India denies.
The nuclear-armed neighbors, who have fought three wars, two over Kashmir, claim the province in full yet rule it partially.
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