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

India
Last Updated: 13 March 2002
Still Current at: 13 March 2002
In view of the heightened tension and increased troop movements along
the India/Pakistan border, we advise against all travel in these
areas. The trans-border coach and rail services are suspended with
effect from 1 January 2002, as are bilateral air links. Bus and train
schedules in Punjab and Rajasthan may also be disrupted. The border
crossing at Wagah in the Punjab remains open to individuals travelling
on foot or by private vehicle.
There has been serious communal violence in a number of cities and
some smaller communities across Gujarat with several hundred killed
and curfews imposed in some areas. The situation remains volatile and
there is a risk of renewed tension in Gujarat and elsewhere in India
in the next few days. We advise visitors to exercise caution and to
monitor developments through the media before confirming travel
arrangements. We strongly advise against travelling on highways in
rural areas in Gujarat at present. 
They will make appropriate arrangements with the police authorities. 
Most parts of India are trouble-free. However, we strongly advise
against travel to all parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, apart
from Ladakh, where visitors should exercise caution.
 
SAFETY AND SECURITY
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. 
The poor infrastructure makes the provision of consular assistance
difficult, particularly in remote areas.
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 visible British
institutions and organisations from global terrorism.
LOCAL TRAVEL
Northern India
Travellers to areas adjoining Pakistan or those planning to cross the
international border should take account of tension between India and
Pakistan over Kashmir.
Jammu & Kashmir
We strongly advise against travel to all parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Levels of violence remain high in Jammu and Kashmir. Serious incidents
of militancy continue in the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region.
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. Although the Line of Control has been
quiet in recent months, limited shelling continues in some areas.
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. 
In North Ladakh, in the summer months, there is a high risk of
shelling from across the Line of Control in the Kargil area, where
there was a serious outbreak of fighting between Indian security
forces and infiltrators in the summer of 1999. Travel to Ladakh should
be by air or via Manali in Himachal Pradesh, not via Srinagar.
Visitors should be therefore 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.
In recent months 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 holiday and other
non-essential 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 in a number of cities and
some smaller communities across Gujarat with several hundred killed
and curfews imposed in some areas. The situation remains volatile,
particularly in rural areas. We advise visitors to exercise caution
and to monitor developments through the media before confirming travel
arrangements. We strongly advise against travelling on highways in
rural areas in Gujarat at present.
An earthquake in January 2001 caused catastrophic damage in the Kutch
area of Gujarat. Buildings were destroyed in several other cities in
Gujarat (including Ahmedabad). 
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.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
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.
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.
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. It is
advisable to have cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled
flights etc.
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the India/Pakistan border, we advise against all travel in these
Partooooooooo ;-))
Bye,Gino.

especially after dark. Visitors should respect local codes of dress
Ma almeno e' la stagione buona ?? Piove molto ?? ;-))
Bye,Gino.

 be by air or via Manali in Himachal Pradesh, not via Srinagar.
Oooopssss!!! Ma ce l'hai con me?? ;-))
sss

 vigilant in public places and around tourist attractions.
I soliti Britons! Da quando Blair ha scelto di cavalcare la tigre a stelle
e striscie non si sentono molto ben voluti nelle ex colonie...
Grazie per le info
gp
--
_________________________
http://www.paesieimmagini.it/
diari e foto di viaggio

in due...
Ma, la NNT ti porta dove nessun altro capace di intendere e volere ti
porterebbe :))
vincio :)


 vincio :)
Perché, la zona sotto tiro dall'artiglieria pachistana non è abbastanza
per la NNT??? E le mine? Dove le mettiamo le mine? Ce ne sono
di meno che in Mozambico, d'accordo, ma in Ladakh
ti manca l'aria :-))))
ciao
gp :)


 be by air or via Manali in Himachal Pradesh, not via Srinagar.
Mi sembra che la informativa di oggi confermi le precauzioni che ho cercato
di prendere negli anni scorsi.
Il problema rimane l'area di Kargil che, per noi che vogliamo raggiungere lo
Zanskar, dove sponsorizziamo una scuola, è di transito obbligato.
In "Lettres du Zanskar", semestrale che distribuiamo ai chi ha "adottato"
(sostegno agli studi) un allievo, consigliamo di cercare di non dormire a
Kargil soprattutto nell Rest House del centro turistico, perché vicina
all'eliporto che è target militare. Così pure di evitare di rimanere nella
zona del ponte.
A chi fosse interessato, talvolta metto in linea una rassegna stampa sul
Ladakh:
http://www.aazanskar.org/cs/news/elencoRS.inc.asp
ciao
Marco
http://www.geocities.com/marcovasta

 
http://www.geocities.com/marcovasta
Naturalmente lo sapevo, Marco. Prima stavo scherzando.
Abbiamo molto visitato il tuo ottimo sito nei giorni scorsi.
Appena ho il piano voli confermato ed un itinerario possibile
te lo vorrei sottoporre. E' probabile che ci si veda al festival
di Karsha Gustor a Karsha l'8 luglio.
a presto
gp

 ... d'accordo, ma in Ladakh ti manca l'aria :-))))
Ma se la NNT è famosa proprio per i suoi "generatori" d'aria !!!
;-))
ciao
nb

 nb
Il generatorOne necessita di opportuna e abbondante materia prima.
Credo perņ che, all'occorrenza, anche il dhal bat possa sopperire...
Comunque la NNT č universalmente nota per la trascuratezza
con cui i partecipanti badano al bagaglio >>:-)
ciao
gp

Caro GP
se finisci nella pagina del mio viaggio 2002, l'avviso agli scopiazzatori
non č per te, ma per un nostro coordinatore il cui nome lascio a te
indovinare...
--
Marco Vasta