Australia issues travel advisory for India

Canberra: Five countries, including Australia, has issued travel advisories to their people travelling to India this festive season. The advisory warns Australian citizens to exercise high degree of caution in India because of the high risk of terrorist activity by militant groups.

India has raised objection to the advisory.

Here are the highlights of the advisory issued by Australia:

• We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in India at this time because of the high risk of terrorist activity by militant groups.
• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time anywhere in India with little or no warning.
• On 7 September 2011, a bomb exploded outside New Delhi's High Court, killing a number of people and injuring many others. Australians should monitor the media for further developments and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• On 13 July 2011, bombings occurred at Zaveri Bazaar, the Opera area and Dadar in Mumbai. At least 17 people were killed and over a hundred injured. In major cities, including Mumbai and New Dehli, enhanced security measures have been put in place at transport hubs, such as airports and railway stations, and government buildings.
• There have been many large terrorist attacks in India in recent years. For example, in 2008, over 170 people were killed and more than 300 were injured in a series of coordinated terrorist attacks targeting places frequented by Westerners in Mumbai. Australians were among the casualties.
• As of August 2011, media reporting notes that there is a continued threat of terrorist attacks in India, particularly in major cities including New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.
• We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning to attack India. Many past attacks in Indian cities have been indiscriminate and not directed at a particular target. Possible targets include public places, including hotels and tourist locations, in New Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities. Indian political and security interests may also be targeted.
• In the past, terrorists have targeted areas frequented by tourists, such as hotels, markets and tourist sites, and Indian security and political interests, and could do so again.
• Major secular and religious holidays could provide terrorist groups an opportunity or pretext to stage an attack.
• Violent protests and demonstrations occur frequently throughout India. Australians are urged to avoid protests, to monitor international and local media, and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
• We advise you not to travel to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, other than to the Ladakh region via Manali, or by air to the city of Leh, due to frequent armed clashes and terrorist activities.
• We advise you not to travel in the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan, other than at the international border crossing at Atari-Wagah.
• We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the north-eastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur because of the risk of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and terrorism-related incidents. If you do decide to travel to these areas, you should exercise extreme