omar-asks-us-diplomats-to-review-j-k-travel-advisory

US diplomats called on National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah at his Gupkar residence in Srinagar on Monday.

 

The delegation included Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs Graham Mayer, First Secretary Gary Applegarth, and Political Counselor Abhiram.

 

The meeting was also attended by Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and Chief Spokesperson and Head of Communications Tanveer Sadiq. 

Discussions covered a wide range of issues related to Jammu and Kashmir and the region in general. 

 

During the meeting Omar Abdullah stressed on the importance of re-looking at the travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to ease restrictions. 

 

“He encouraged people from around the world to visit Kashmir and experience its beauty and culture firsthand. 

 

"He also invited the diplomats to visit Kashmir with their families as a first step to inspire confidence among tourists from the United States and other parts of the world,” the NC said in a statement. 

 

Several countries have travel advisories in place, asking their citizens to not visit Jammu and Kashmir. 

 

In its latest travel advisory issued in July this year, the US government asked its citizens to exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. 

 

"Some areas have increased risk. Do not travel to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest," read the advisory.

 

It was issued in view of the recent spurt in terror activities in Jammu, in which many civilians and security personnel have lost their lives.