Canada issues new travel advisory for India

NEW DEHLI, Sep 20: Canada has issued a new travel advisory for India, asking its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution while travelling to India.

The development came in the backdrop of Canada expelling an Indian diplomat over the killing of a Canadian citizen—Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh—and in a tit-for-tat move India also asked a Canadian diplomat to leave New Delhi.   

Canada issued a travel advisory for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir that the security situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is tense. There are high risks of violent protests, civil unrest, and acts of terrorism and militancy.

"Avoid all travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir due to the unpredictable security situation. There is a threat of terrorism, militancy, civil unrest and kidnapping. This advisory excludes travelling to or within the Union Territory of Ladakh," says Canada in its… pic.twitter.com/AxV7aZ18q3

— ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2023

The Canadian foreign ministry said that violent clashes between militants and security forces occur regularly wherein terrorist attacks against security forces have led to civilian casualties while further attacks could take place at any time and Canadian citizens could find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The Indian army has enhanced powers in this territory. Authorities may impose curfews and security restrictions on short notice to avoid gatherings and demonstrations, always carry ID, expect a heightened security presence and security checks and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Canadian travel advisory said that the level of tension between India and Pakistan may change suddenly and travelers could experience difficulties when travelling between the two countries and they may be subject to scrutiny if officials from either country become aware that you have recently travelled to the other.

(ANI)