Virus cases in Jammu and Kashmir near 3,200

By Nusrat Sidiq

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir (AA) - One more death and over 30 new coronavirus cases were reported in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir on Friday morning.

Officials said 32 test results had returned positive early in the morning, raising the total number of cases in the region to 3,172.

The number includes around 120 pregnant women, which has become a source of concern for residents of the Himalayan region.

The death toll moved to 36, while recoveries remained at the Thursday evening mark of 1,048.

All these numbers are likely to rise when a complete 24-hour update will be released on Friday evening.

- Disputed region

Kashmir is held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed by both in full. A small sliver of Kashmir is also held by China.

Since they were partitioned in 1947, the two countries have fought three wars -- in 1948, 1965, and 1971 -- two of them over Kashmir.

Some Kashmiri groups in Jammu and Kashmir have been fighting against Indian rule for independence, or unification with neighboring Pakistan.

According to several human rights organizations, thousands of people have reportedly been killed in the conflict in the region since 1989.