At least seven Hindu pilgrims were fatally shot by suspected militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Monday.
The victims were among nearly 50 people traveling on an annual pilgrimage when their vehicle was attacked by what local police suspect were separatists fighting against Indian rule in Kashmir.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place in the Anantnag district.
Security precautions, police numbers and internet restrictions were increased in Kashmir over the weekend in an effort to foil protests planned for the anniversary of the death of a local militant leader, Burhan Wani. His killing in 2016 by armed forces pulled the Himalayan region into a fresh spiral of violence after several years of relative peace.
Kashmir has been restive since widespread and violent street protests erupted after Wani's killing.
India blames Pakistan-based militant groups for stoking the unrest in Kashmir. Pakistan denies the allegation.
