Jammu And Kashmir To Be Formally Split As Unrest Continues

Around a dozen people from outside the state have been killed by suspected militants fighting for Kashmir’s independence.
India is to formally split Jammu and Kashmir into two separate territories on Thursday, following months of security clampdowns.

The state will be divided into the territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Buddhist enclave of Ladakh – both to be directly ruled from New Delhi. Tensions over the move have sparked violent protests in recent weeks, while around a dozen people from outside the state have been killed by militants.

Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan and the countries have fought two wars in an attempt to take control. India’s government imposed a security lockdown after withdrawing Kashmir’s autonomy in August, pouring thousands more troops into the region and arresting hundreds to prevent violent uprisings.