Pahalgam terror attack: US issues 'Do Not Travel' advisory for J&K

 

The United States has issued a fresh travel advisory for travellers planning to Jammu and Kashmir, advising them “not to travel” to the Valley in the wake of the recent terror attack killing 26 people in Pahalgam.

 

In its recent advisory, the US Embassy in India stated, “U.S. citizens are reminded that the Department of State has a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Jammu and Kashmir.” The embassy added, “Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.  Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh).” 

 

The embassy stated sporadic violence occurs in the region, including at tourist spots like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. “The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC. US government personnel are prohibited from travel to Jammu and Kashmir,” it said. The US also advised its citizens to avoid going within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict.

 

The US Embassy issued the advisory on Wednesday, a day after 26 persons including 24 tourists were killed by terrorists in Pahalgam. Considered to be the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019, the Union government has said strict action will be taken and guilty won’t be spared.

 

 Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department appealed to all tourist service providers to offer full support to affected travellers, including waiving cancellation charges on Wednesday. Tour operators in Kashmir fear that the Pahalgam terror attack will dent tourist footfall. 

India