Pahalgam Terror Strike Triggers US ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory for Jammu & Kashmir Region

New York/Washington, Apr 24: The United States has issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, cautioning its citizens about the heightened risks following recent terrorist attacks and potential for violent civil unrest in the region. This advisory, issued on Wednesday, comes just a day after a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, located in the Kashmir Valley, which claimed the lives of many individuals, most of whom were tourists. The attack, described as the deadliest in the region since the Pulwama strike of 2019, has prompted the US government to take immediate steps in advising its citizens against travel to the Union Territory, particularly in light of growing security concerns.

The US Department of State’s updated travel advisory specifies that terrorist attacks and violent civilian unrest could potentially occur within Jammu and Kashmir. It strongly recommends that US citizens refrain from visiting the region, with the exception of the eastern Ladakh area and its capital, Leh. The advisory further notes that while violence can erupt sporadically in Jammu and Kashmir, it is notably frequent along the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, and in prominent tourist locations within the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.

In addition to urging caution regarding travel within the region, the advisory extends its warning to areas within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border, advising against travel due to the potential for armed conflict. This move comes on the heels of India suspending the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan, following the identification of cross-border links to the attack in Pahalgam. The Indian government’s actions reflect growing concerns over the involvement of external forces in exacerbating the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.