The Hindu Business Line : UK, Australia caution tourists to India

They have also advised their nationals visiting India to exercise caution around the Republic Day, in view of terrorist attacks and violence in parts of India.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued an advisory against travel to parts of the country, especially rural Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and all but essential travel by air to Srinagar, parts of North-East and Bangalore, especially around the Republic Day.

Terrorism Threat

The advisory warns against a high threat of terrorism throughout the country, including J&K and areas frequented by tourists. It goes on to say that there have been terrorist attacks in major cities including Mumbai and New Delhi.

The advisory states that there is a high level of conflict and terrorist violence in J&K, excluding Ladakh. It advises against all but essential travel to Imphal (by air) and against all travel in the rest of Manipur and Tripura. In view of the recent violence in Bangalore, British visitors have been asked to exercise caution.

Over 6-lakh British tourists visit India every year.

The Australian Government has asked its nationals to be particularly vigilant in the lead up to and on days of national significance such as the Republic Day, as militants have in the past used such occasions to mount attacks.

The advisory states that Republic Day function venues may present attractive targets for terrorists. In addition to Republic Day venues, prominent Government buildings, public transport, places of worship, and commercial and public areas are potential targets for terrorist attacks.

Major cities, including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune may also be at greater risk of attack, it says.