'Don't travel to Kashmir': UK, Germany, Australia issue advisory after terror threat in J&K

In a travel advisory, the UK government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised all travel to "the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan, other than at Wagah. Jammu and Kashmir, except for (i) travel within the city of Jammu, (ii) travel by air to the city of Jammu, and (iii) travel within the region of Ladakh."

The tourist destinations of Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg fall within the areas to which the FCO advise against all travel, it said. 

"The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the city of Srinagar and between the cities of Jammu and Srinagar on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway," it said. 

The UK advisory refers to reports that "Government of Jammu and Kashmir had advised tourists and Amarnath Yatra pilgrims to curtail their stay in the Kashmir Valley immediately and take necessary measures to return home as soon as possible because of security threats." 

If you’re in Jammu and Kashmir, you should remain vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities and keep up to date with developments, including via this travel advice, it said. 

"Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in India. Recent attacks have targeted public places including those visited by foreigners. There have been recent media reports suggesting Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) may have an interest in attacking targets in India. There may be an increased threat to places visited by British nationals such as religious sites, markets, festival venues and beaches" the advisory said. 

It asked the UK citizens to be vigilant, monitor local media and take all precautions for safety. 

Travel to Kashmir is strongly discouraged.

Strongly discouraged from traveling to Jammu and Kashmir due to a recent security alert. Travelers staying in Kashmir (especially the Kashmir Valley and the Armanath Yatra Pilgrimage Route) are advised to leave Jammu and Kashmir.

Terrorism

The security situation in India remains tense against the backdrop of numerous serious terrorist attacks in recent years. This is especially true in the context of public and religious holidays and major events.

It must be assumed that New Delhi and other major cities in the country are the focus of terrorist activities. There is still a tendency that even touristy places are increasingly targeted by the terrorists.

In the state of Jammu and Kashmir bomb attacks have been carried out in recent decades and also recently, which claimed many lives. Individual actions directed against foreigners, including abductions, can not be ruled out in the entire region. Partly curfews were imposed.

Be especially attentive to busy places (visiting markets and public places, crowds of people, government buildings and national landmarks) and special events.

Domestic situation

Travel to the Kashmir area, including Srinagar, is not advised.  

In the state of Jammu and Kashmir, terrorist acts of violence and unpredictable conflicts between demonstrators and the police or the army are also taking place. Since September 2016, there have also been renewed armed clashes between Indian and Pakistani troops as well as with various separatist groups along the international border and the ceasefire line (LoC).

In the Jammu area, the security situation is basically stable. However, unpredictable violent clashes between protesters and security forces are also possible there.

In the part of Ladakh the security situation is basically stable. However, individual terrorist activities can not be ruled out. In the direct border regions, clashes can occur between Indian and Pakistani and Indian and Chinese security forces.

Keep yourself informed about the security and infrastructure situation.

Travel, if necessary, only by air to Srinagar.

Be especially careful when traveling to the western parts of the Ladakh region.

Do not travel alone or with an unidentified guide through these areas, stop by car and do not camp in secluded spots.

Let us advise you on the selection of trekking routes on site by trustworthy and knowledgeable local guides.

Avoid the immediate border areas with Pakistan and the People's Republic of China in Ladakh.

Avoid larger crowds.

Always follow the instructions of local authorities and security forces.

In an updated travel advisory, Australia Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said cautioned against travel to Jammu and Kashmir (except Ladakh region, Jammu and Srinagar) and India-Pakistan border (except Atari crossing).

"We advise against all travel here due to the very high risk. If you do travel, you should typically seek professional security advice. Be aware that regular travel insurance policies will be void and that the Australian Government is unlikely to be able to provide consular assistance," the travel advisory said. 

For cities of Jammu and Srinagar, the advisory said, "Reconsider your need to travel." 

"Think seriously about whether you need to travel here due to the high level of risk. If you do travel, do your research and take a range of extra safety precautions, including having contingency plans. Check that your travel insurer will cover you," it said. 

Commenting on the latest advisory, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "It takes years of effort to have these travel advisories diluted & the last few days have been a major setback for the tourism industry in the state."

Abdullah said he witnessed 3 foreign tourists deciding against traevlling to Srinagar after seeing the government order. 

"The same Germany that was so satisfied with the improvement in the security environment that they organised the Zubin Mehta concert in Srinagar a few years ago now issues a travel advisory to stop nationals from visiting the valley," Abdullah said on the travel advisory issued by Germany.