The United States has issued a stern ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for Jammu & Kashmir following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, mostly tourists.
This tragic incident has been labelled as the most devastating attack in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike.
The advisory was released by the US Department of State just a day after the attack, cautioning citizens against travel to Jammu & Kashmir due to the risks of terrorist violence and potential civil unrest. The advisory specifically warns travellers to avoid popular tourist hubs like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, as well as areas close to the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan.
However, the travel restrictions exclude the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh, which remains accessible for visitors. With this tragic loss and heightened tensions, tourism and safety concerns in the region have come under intense scrutiny.
This attack not only highlights the precarious situation in Jammu & Kashmir but also serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges in achieving peace and stability in the region.