Dutch warn travellers to avoid Jammu and Kashmir, as state is stripped of its autonomy

The foreign affairs ministry. Photo: Kick Smeets / Rijksoverheid 2016
The foreign affairs ministry. Photo: Kick Smeets / Rijksoverheid 2016

The Dutch foreign affairs ministry has warned travelers not to visit the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir following the government’s decision to strip the region of its autonomy.

People are being warned to avoid the entire border area between India and Pakistan because of the risk of protests.

The situation is particularly acute in the Kashmir valley and Dutch diplomats would only be able to offer limited assistance if travelers get into difficulty, the foreign ministry said in its updated recommendations.

India has decided to revoke the special autonomous status for the part of Kashmir it controls – a move which has been met with outrage and dismay by some, the BBC reported.

This has resulted in a major military presence on the streets and a state-wide communications lock down, the broadcaster said.

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