Melbourne: In a fresh advisory, Australia
Tuesday warned of possible terrorist attacks in public places in
India, especially in New Delhi and Mumbai, and advised its
citizens not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir due to "frequent
armed clashes and terrorist activities" there.
In the travel advisory issued to its citizens residing
in India or planning to travel to that country, the Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) asked them to exercise a
"high degree of caution in India 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," it said.
The DFAT said Australia continues to receive reports
about terrorists plan to attack public places, including
hotels and tourist locations, in New Delhi, Mumbai and other
major cities.
"Terrorists may also be planning attacks against
Indian political and security interests. We also continue to
receive reports about possible terrorist attacks against
markets frequented by foreigners in New Delhi," it said.
The advisory also asked Australians "not to travel to
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."
It also asked citizens to "reconsider" their 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 caution," the advisory said, noting that many
past attacks in Indian cities have been indiscriminate and not
directed at a particular target.
"In April 2010, explosions occurred outside a stadium
hosting an Indian Premier League cricket match in Bangalore,"
it added. Travellers were also warned against visiting major
secular and religious holidays which could provide terrorist
groups an opportunity or pretext to stage an attack," it said.
The advisory also noted that 166 people were killed
and more than 300 were injured in a series of coordinated
terrorist attacks "targeting places frequented by Westerners
in Mumbai".
On Commonwealth Games, the advisory asked travellers
attending the Games to register their travel and contact
details in advance of their trip.
"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," the DFAT said.
PTI
