Toronto: The Canadian government has updated its travel advice for India, telling its citizens to avoid all travel to Jammu and Kashmir, the areas near the border with Pakistan, and to note that the Attari-Wagah crossing is currently closed. This update comes after a recent attack on tourists in Pahalgam.
The advisory states, “The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is tense.” There are high chances of protests, civil unrest, and acts of terrorism. However, the advisory does not include Ladakh.
The warning continues, saying that “violent clashes between militants and security forces happen regularly. Attacks on security forces may harm civilians, and more attacks could occur anytime. You might find yourself in dangerous situations unexpectedly.”
It also mentions that “the security situation near the Pakistan border, especially along the Line of Control (LoC), remains unstable.” There are sporadic incidents of gunfire and shelling along the LoC.
Travel is not advised within 10 kilometers of the Pakistan border in Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan due to unpredictable security issues.
Overall, Canadians are told to be very cautious while in India. “The level of tension between India and Pakistan might change quickly. You could face challenges when traveling between these two countries and might be checked closely by officials if they notice you have been to the other country,” the advisory says.
Canadians are also advised to avoid all travel to Pakistan-administered Kashmir and areas within 10 kilometers of the LoC, except for official border crossings.
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