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UK advisory for travel to India, Pak, Bangla

      London: In the wake of mounting terrorism in various parts of Pakistan and Bangladesh, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised call areas of Jammu other than Jammu City. It said there is a high level of conflict and terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir (excluding Ladakh) although Jammu City is somewhat safer. It is also advised against all but essential travel to Imphal (by air) and against all travel in the rest of Manipur and Tripura. Kidnapping, banditry and insurgency are rife throughout the north eastern region, particularly in Assam.

     The travel advice has warned that there is a high threat of terrorism throughout India, including Jammu and Kashmir and areas frequented by tourists. There have been terrorist attacks in major cities including Mumbai and New Delhi. People should be vigilant in all parts of India. There is an increased security presence in Goa, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and at the airport. The authorities are taking precautionary measures by deploying extra police in tourist areas and at the airport. We are keeping the situation under close review. Over 600,000 British tourists visit India every year. Most of these visits are trouble-free. According to FCO advice, people are advised against all travel to areas where there are ongoing reports of militant activity. This applies particularly to northern and western Balochistan, including the Sui/Dera Bugti and Kohlu areas, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas including Waziristan, and border areas except for official crossing points. People are also advised against all but essential travel to Peshawar until further notice, following an explosion on 27 January 2007, which killed and injured several people. Detailing the various incidents of suicide bomb blasts and attacks. the FCO advice has warned people that there is a high threat from terrorism and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan. Attacks can be indiscriminate and in public places, including those frequented by foreigners. Regarding the Balochistan, FCO has advised against using the rail network and buses in Balochistan. Special advice applies to the Karakoram. "There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Pakistan" the travel advice has warned, according to The Nation. There is reliable evidence that terrorists continue to target Western, including British, interests and individuals throughout Pakistan. Although the major cities are particularly vulnerable to indiscriminate bombing and other attacks, including kidnapping, no part of Pakistan is immune. Owing to high levels of security at Western embassies, international organisations and international hotels, more vulnerable targets such as clubs, restaurants (including Western style fast food outlets), places of worship and schools are also at risk. The FCO advises against all travel to areas where there are ongoing reports of military or militant activity. This applies particularly to Waziristan, and to northern and western Balochistan including the Sui/DeraBugti and Kohlu areas. There has been street violence in Quetta, and there have been other more recent bombings in Quetta/Balochistan. Military operations continue against terrorists and insurgents in Waziristan and Balochistan. People should avoid travel by bus (as well as rail) in Balochistan. If planning to travel to Quetta, British citizens have been advised to contact the British Deputy High Commission in Karachi in advance for current advice. As far as travel in Bangladesh is concerned, people have been advised against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (this does not include the city of Chittagong) because of the risk of being caught up in clashes between rival tribal groups, settlers and the military. The FCO advisory also said that the Bangladesh authorities require foreigners planning to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts to let the local authorities have seven days' notice of their travel plans.

      Nearly 700,000 British citizens visiting India, Pakistan or Bangladesh each year - many of these visiting friends and family. The results of the study show that whilst British Asians take precautions when they are travelling to holiday destinations such as Europe and the USA, it is often not the case when it comes to visiting friends and family in their country of origin. Many travel without insurance, without having had the right vaccinations or even without ensuring they have the correct re- entry documents. Lord Triesman, Foreign Office Minister responsible for Consular Affairs, said: "It is important to realise that when travelling abroad, situations can arise that cannot be dealt with as easily as if you were at home. British nationals of Asian origin, visiting their country of origin, should ensure they are fully prepared."
-Feb 10,  2007

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