Mumbai: In the wake of Tuesday’s deadly terror strike in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives— most of them tourists—the United States on Wednesday issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid travelling to Jammu and Kashmir.
“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),” read the advisory published on the official website of the US Embassy and Consulates in India.
The advisory warned that violence occurs sporadically in the region, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, and in popular tourist destinations such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. It also noted that the Indian government restricts foreign tourists from entering certain areas near the LoC.
Pahalgam Terror Attack Triggers An Exodus Of Tourists
The brutal attack has triggered an exodus of tourists from the Valley. Several airlines, including SpiceJet and Air India, have issued travel alerts for passengers. In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed airlines to increase the number of flights operating out of Srinagar to assist with the evacuation of tourists. Carriers have also been asked to consider waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees for affected travellers.
