“Landmine Threat”: Canada advice its citizens not to travel Indian areas bordering Pak

New Delhi: In a bizarre travel advisory, Canada has asked its citizens not to visit the Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan states in India owing to the ‘presence of landmines’ and ‘unpredictable security situation’ as the region shares an international border with Pakistan. Though, the Union Territory of Ladakh has been excluded from the warning.

The advisory which was updated on the official website of the ministry on Tuesday asks its people to maintain high caution while travelling to India due to the “threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country”.

“Avoid all travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Pakistan in the following states due to the unpredictable security situation and presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance: Gujarat, Punjab Rajasthan”, read the advisory.

It further urges Canadian citizens to avoid travelling to northeastern states Manipur and Assam due to the risk of “terrorism and insurgency”.

The advisory came days after India had advised its nationals and students in the country to “remain vigilant amid increasing incidents of crimes and anti-India activities in the country”.

“There has been a sharp increase in incidents of hate crimes, sectarian violence and anti-India activities in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs and our High Commission/Consulates General in Canada have taken up these incidents with the Canadian authorities and requested them to investigate the said crimes and take appropriate action”, MEA said in a statement.

“In view of the increasing incidences of crimes as described above, Indian nationals and students from India in Canada and those proceeding to Canada for travel/education are advised to exercise due caution and remain vigilant”, it added.