Protests continued in Handwara town in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, and mobile internet services were suspended in some areas, after four people died in clashes with security forces. Curfew-like restrictions were also imposed in parts of the state. The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday also suspended an assistant sub-inspector after security forces opened fire at protestors when a mob set an army bunker on fire in Kupwara district, where Handwara is located, on Tuesday.

The violence began after a girl was allegedly molested by an Indian Army soldier. However, reports said she later denied involvement of any army officers and said a local had molested her. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met senior leaders, including Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, to discuss the violence in the state. She also asked security forces to exercise restraint while dealing with protestors.