UK, Canada, Australia issue travel advisory

The massive scale of violence in Haryana following the arrest of the Dera chief has led many countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia and Indonesia to issue travel advisories on Saturday to its citizens traveling to India and those already here.

"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel in the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan, other than at Wagah," said the foreign travel advice issued by the UK.

"A number of deaths have been reported in violent clashes following the conviction of the head of the Dera Sacha Sauda spiritual organisation... Due to the possibility of further serious violence, you should avoid large gatherings, follow the advice of the local authorities, monitor local media and keep in touch with your travel company. Local road and rail travel may be significantly disrupted during this period," it said.

Australia too sounded an advisory on this issue late Friday night.

"Avoid large gatherings as they could become violent. Follow the advice of local authorities. Local transport has been significantly disrupted with a number of roads closed and rail services cancelled. Mobile internet services in Chandigarh have been suspended. Monitor the media for developments that may affect your safety and security. The level of our advice has not changed. Exercise a high degree of caution in India overall," the Australian advisory said.

Canada also sounded a similar alert. "Following the conviction of a prominent sect leader on August 25, 2017, tensions remain high in the states of Punjab and Haryana, and various other areas. Tens of thousands of people have gathered in protest, some of which have become violent... If you are in one of the affected areas, limit your movements and monitor local media for the latest information," the advisory says.

The Embassy of Indonesia also issued a similar advisory and asked its citizens in India to be on alert.