Newsgroup: it.hobby.viaggi
Titolo: INDIA Avviso di sicurezza

Country Advice  
 
 Still Current at: 4 September 2002  
Updated: 4 September 2002  
 
 India 
 
SUMMARY
We strongly advise against travel to Jammu and Kashmir, apart from
travel to Ladakh via Manali or by air to Leh. 
In view of the heightened tension and increased troop movements along
the India/Pakistan border, we advise against all travel in those areas
of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab in the imminent vicinity of the
border and areas of Ladakh close to the Line of Control. We do not
advise against travel to Amritsar, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodphur, Bikaner
or Jaisalmer. 
Visitors already in India should contact the British High Commission
in New Delhi on tel: +11 687 2161 or the appropriate Deputy High
Commission (details below) if they have any specific concerns about
their safety. 
SAFETY AND SECURITY
There remains a risk of conflict between India and Pakistan, and the
situation could deteriorate at short notice. In that event, there
could be difficulty in travelling to safety. Were a conflict to start,
our capacity to evacuate British nationals would be limited. 
All British nationals are encouraged to monitor developments through
the media (including the BBC World Service if possible), and to
contact the British High Commission, or the appropriate Deputy High
Commission if they have specific concerns about their safety. 
There has been serious communal violence in Gujarat with several
hundred killed and curfews imposed in some areas. The situation
remains volatile. We advise visitors to exercise caution and to
monitor developments through the media. 
The poor infrastructure can make the provision of consular assistance
difficult, particularly in remote areas. 
Do not walk alone in isolated spots in the popular tourist areas
especially after dark. Visitors should respect local codes of dress
and behaviour. There have been several recent incidents of sexual
assault against women in Goa. 
Theft of valuables, especially passports, is a particular risk at
major railway stations and on trains. 
Several recent drownings have highlighted the lack of warning
signs/flags and life-saving equipment on most of India's beaches.
Strong undercurrents are a particular hazard. Tourist boats and other
small crafts very rarely carry life saving equipment. 
Piracy/armed robbery against ships has occurred in and around India's
waters. Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate
action. 
Visitors should not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties
for possession of even small amounts of narcotic substances are severe
(a minimum of 10 years imprisonment). The slow judicial process means
that lengthy pre-trial detention is the norm. 
Confidence tricksters (particularly in Agra and Jaipur) promise a
substantial cash reward for delivery of jewellery abroad but only in
return for an initial deposit. The jewellery is invariably worthless
and the deposit (often amounting to thousands of pounds) is lost. 
Incidents of British nationals being held against their will by
individuals they have "befriended" while staying in India have
increased. Victims holding travellers' cheques and credit or debit
cards are required to withdraw funds at a cash-point/bank to obtain
their release. 
TERRORISM 
British nationals in Islamic countries or countries with large Islamic
populations, should exercise particular caution given the current
heightened tension. We believe that India is one of a number of
countries where there is an increased risk to visibly British
institutions and organisations from global terrorism. 
We advise travellers to increase their vigilance when in the vicinity
of key government installations, visiting tourist sites or attending
major public events around India. 
Road Safety 
Driving on Indian roads can be hazardous, particularly at night in
rural areas. Inadequately lit buses and lorries, poor driving and
badly maintained vehicles are the main causes of accidents. 
LOCAL TRAVEL
Northern India
Those in areas adjoining Pakistan or planning to cross the
international border should take account of tension between India and
Pakistan.
Jammu & Kashmir
We strongly advise against travel to Jammu and Kashmir, apart from
travel to Ladakh via Manali or by air to Leh. Levels of violence
remain high in Jammu and Kashmir. Serious incidents of militancy
continue in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu Province. Whilst not directed
at tourists, violent incidents have occurred recently in public
places, including in Srinagar. There have also been a number of
landmine explosions and shelling continues across the Line of Control.
There is a risk of kidnapping. Militants took hostage five foreign
nationals, including two Britons, in July 1995: one was murdered and
the others are also feared dead.
Visitors should therefore be aware of travel agents who will try to
convince them that it is safe to travel to Jammu or Kashmir. Despite
increased official promotion of Kashmir as a tourist centre, tensions
remain high there. No matter how convincing the agents appear to be,
their advice should not be followed.
Business representatives and others considering a visit to Jammu and
Kashmir should consult the British High Commission, New Delhi.
Other Northern States
Trekking: In 2000, there were several attacks (including murder) on
trekkers in the mountain areas of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. We
recommend that trekkers travel in groups and engage local guides.
There have been small bomb explosions on trains and in and around
Delhi including shopping areas frequently visited by tourists, train
stations and in a hotel in Paharganj, home to most of the budget
accommodation. Visitors to Delhi should therefore remain vigilant in
public places and around tourist attractions.
Petty crime is common in Delhi. Tourists should take care of their
bags, wallets and passports, particularly when travelling by train or
bus. Avoid individuals at railway stations offering tickets and tours
(mainly to Kashmir and Rajasthan).
East and North East India
Most visits to Eastern India are trouble-free but visitors should be
aware of the risk of violent crime in rural areas of Bihar.
Some states in North East India, particularly Arunachal Pradesh,
Mizoram and Sikkim are generally safe. However, visitors should be
aware that militant groups are operating in mainly rural areas of
other North East states. We advise against all travel to Manipur and
Tripura. While foreigners are not targets of violence, attacks can be
indiscriminate.
Permits are required for travel to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh,
Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
South India
There have been bomb/land mine explosions in Andhra Pradesh mainly
directed at local government officials. Travellers should remain
vigilant.
Western Region
There has been serious communal violence and in Gujarat with several
hundred killed and curfews imposed in some areas. The situation
remains volatile. We advise visitors to exercise caution and to
monitor developments through the media.
Visitors to Mumbai should be aware that armed robbers have held up
taxis travelling along the main highway from the airport to the city
in the early hours of the morning (between 0200 and 0600) when there
is little traffic on the roads. Visitors using the route during these
times should, where possible, arrange to travel by coach or seek
advice at the airport on arrival.
Passengers who have cleared customs and immigration at Mumbai airport
should be wary of approaches by thieves posing as Government
officials.
ROAD SAFETY
Driving on Indian roads can be hazardous, particularly at night in
rural areas. Inadequately lit buses and lorries, poor driving and
badly maintained vehicles are the main causes of accidents.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must obtain a visa before travelling to India. Visas cannot be
obtained on arrival. Foreign nationals arriving in India on long term
multiple visas are required to register with the nearest Foreigners
Regional Registration Officer within 14 days of arrival. Over-stayers
will be fined and may be prosecuted. For further information on entry
requirements, visitors are advised to check with their nearest Indian
Consulate or the Indian High Commission, India House, Aldwych, London,
WC2B 4NA; (tel: 020 7836 8484). 
HEALTH
Medical advice about endemic diseases and necessary inoculations
should be sought before, travelling. An outbreak of Japanese
Encephalitis in Assam has resulted in at least 100 deaths. 
GENERAL
Between the months of December and April, flights leaving India become
very full. Passengers may find themselves 'bumped off' flights even if
they have confirmed seats. All international departures must therefore
be re-confirmed at least 72 hours before departure.
Flights arriving and departing from airports in Northern India in
December and January are often delayed and sometimes cancelled due to
fog.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly
if participating in activity sports in mountainous areas when search
and rescue facilities may be required. If you undertake high-risk
sports (eg mountaineering, private flying) check the small print on
the policy to ensure that you are covered. It is advisable to have
cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights etc.
 
 
 
 


In Andhra? Mi pare strano. Ho telefonato oggi e mi hanno detto che laggiù va
tutto bene. In ogni caso io ci ritorno ai primi di Ottobre per la sesta
volta.
Angelo

 the others are also feared dead.
Quest'estate siamo andati in Ladakh, partendo con un po' di timori, non
proprio a cuor leggero. Avevamo letto e riletto tutte gli avvisi per la
sicurezza, avevamo contattato più volte un'agenzia di viaggi a Leh e ci
eravamo anche consultati con il maggior esperto della regione, l'ottimo e
sempre gentilissimo Marco Vasta. Una volta partiti, via via che
trascorrevano i giorni, le nostre preoccupazioni sono scomparse. Non
sostengo, ovviamente, che il luogo sia tranquillissimo, me ne guardo bene.
Non è che perché a noi non è successo alcunché o perché non abbiamo visto
alcuna situazione di pericolo che mi sento di fare tout court un'equazione
che sia valida per tutti, certo che l'IMPRESSIONE che ho avuto (ripeto,
l'impressione) è che non vi sia tensione né diffidenza verso i turisti. La
regione pullula di militari, peraltro molto gentili, e la loro presenza -
almeno per me - è stata tranquillizzante, non angosciante. Ci sarebbe molto
da dire, su come vivono la loro presenza gli abitanti, ma ve la risparmio.
Vi racconto invece un piccolo aneddoto del viaggio: eravamo arrivati al
passo più alto del Ladakh (Khardung La, circa 5600 m), dove c'era una base
militare. Ovviamente gp, vista una montagnola che si innalzava nelle
vicinanze, ha chiesto il permesso di salirla: questa era ricolma di
satelliti e apparecchi vari per controllare il vicinissimo confine con la
Cina, e sinceramente mi aspettavo che il comandante non gli consentisse di
passeggiare allegramente tra quelle postazioni, e invece... Il buon gp ha
scarpinato per un'oretta su e giù per il monte, mentre io mi bevevo un the e
chiacchieravo con i militari.
Tanto sereni eravamo, che abbiamo rinunciato a prendere l'autobus per
Manali, e ci siamo avventurati lungo la Leh - Srinagar. Viaggio molto
pesante, ma decisamente interessante. La mia impressione è stata che la
città più 'pericolosa' e sicuramente più islamica sia  Kargyl, che si trova
sul confine tra Ladakh e Kashmir, all'imbocco della valle dello Zanskar e a
pochi chilometri dalla frontiera pachistana. Un centinaio di chilometri più
a ovest, lì dove come per incanto scompare il paesaggio lunare del Ladakh e
si aprono le lussureggianti valli del Kashmir, cambia anche la popolazione,
che veste all'indiana pur essendo mussulmana, che sorride di più e sembra
più tranquilla. Mentre ci trovavamo a Srinagar, abbiamo avuto notizia (alla
televisione) di un massacro a Jammu. Ventotto morti, tra la popolazione
delle baracche. Una strage poco comprensibile, e nessuno sapeva chi l'aveva
eseguita o chi fossero i mandanti. Quello che sì abbiamo sentito, è che le
varie BBC e CNN titolavano i loro servizi con "Strage in Kashmir". Ora, per
chi non sappia esattamente dov'è Jammu, questa città è a 400 chilometri più
a sud di Srinagar, in una regione totalmente diversa dal Kashmir (anche se
amministrativamente collegata). In effetti, i kashmiri con i quali abbiamo
parlato, sostenevano seccati che qualunque fatto di sangue avvenga anche a
molta distanza dalla loro capitale, sia volutamente etichettato come "del
Kashmir". Non mi dilungo in dietrologie politiche, mi limito a dire che
ritengo non abbiano torto. Mi fa specie, nell'avviso riportato dal mio
amichetto del cuore, che venga ricordato un fatto avvenuto nel 1995, e
questo avvalla le idee - ultrapersonali - che mi sto facendo sul perché i
media distorcano o sottolineino certi avvenimenti. Un'ultima cosa voglio
aggiungere: il Kashmir è splendido e Srinagar è un autentico gioiello.
sss

La fonte citata è autorevole.
Ed anche se Sandra ha ragione nel dire che l'atmosfera è tranquillissima, se
ci basiamo su esempi personali quando il 4 agosto sono passato da Kargil
(qualche giorno prima di Ssssandra e Gp), le cannonate passavano altissime
dalle postazioni a monte di Kargil, il fuoco indiano (con cannoni Bofor?)
era diretto sulle postazioni pakistane sopra Drass.
Ti assicuro che eravamo molo perplessi, anche se per i locali la questione
era "abituale".  Quella sera sono andato a dormire a 40 km più a sud...
Tutto tranquillo la sera del 12 al nostro ritorno
Da quando il'11 agosto 1998 un missilino pakistano ha centrato una guest
house a kargil (testimonuianza diretta di un nostro socio di AaZ) uccidendo
parte del personale, io sono sempre moolto perplesso...
Quanto poi ai media italiani è raro che riportino lo stillicidio di morti in
Kashmir, Jammu, Gujarat, Assam ecc.
Qualcuno ha per caso riportatoche è esplosa una bomba in un centro
commerciale a Kathmandu in Nepal la scorsa settimana, o che un'altra bomba
ha ucciso il militare che cercava di disinnescarne una a Patan, vicino a
Durbar square,  tutte zone frequentate dai pochi turisti rimasti?
Ciao a tutti
--
Marco Vasta

Certo che e' un vero peccato che quella zona venga cosi maltrattata.
IO sono stato a SRinagar e KArgil cinque anni fa. E devo dire che sono posti
davvero splendidi. Soprattutto Srinagar.  Dopo un trekking tra Zangskar e
ladakh sarebbe davvero un bel posto per riposarsi qualche giorno guardando
le barchette e le aquile pescare nel lago.
Ma alla fine al passo (non mi ricordo il nome sorry)che collega Leh a
Srinagar sono riusciti ad allargare la strada? O e' ancora a senso unico
alternato?
Se potete andateci, ne vale la pena. Anche se si sentono i tiri di
artiglieria in lontananza e ci sono sciami di poliziotti con le armi pronte.
(questo e' stata la mia esperienza)
Saluti
Giuppe

Non per insistere ma domenica hanno deliberatamente bombardato kargil e
Drass
Vedi:
http://www.aazanskar.org/cs/news/news.asp?id=550
--
Marco Vasta