International

Stay off Gujarat, foreign Govts. tell their citizens

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE MAY 10. While foreign Governments have been saying it gently, others like Lonely Planet — publishers of international travel guides — have little hesitation in advising travellers against visiting Gujarat. ``If you're travelling to India, stay clear of Gujarat, where sectarian violence has killed more than 900 people and displaced thousands. Most of the dead and displaced are Muslims, attacked and driven from their homes by Hindu mobs.

"The clashes between Hindus and Muslims erupted in February 2002, after Muslims set fire to a train carrying Hindu activists, killing 50 people. Riots have been raging ever since, and although the Government survived a censure vote on the handling of the crisis, many opposition party members say Gujarat's members are partly to blame. Avoid the place entirely,'' says the May 2002 Lonely Planet travel advisory, posted on its website. Foreign Governments, on the other hand, have been more diplomatic in their travel advisories. New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises its nationals "against all travel'' to "India (only Jammu, Kashmir and Gujarat).'' However, the advice of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, issued on May 2, is relatively mild. It says ``there are still ongoing tensions in Gujarat, following the outbreak of communal violence earlier this year. Some cities, including Ahmedabad, still have curfews in place and while the violence is not directed against foreigners, Australians in these States should pay particular attention to their personal security, monitor local news and act on the advice of local authorities.''

According to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, there is "serious communal violence" in a number of cities in Gujarat with many killed and curfews imposed in some areas. ``The situation in Gujarat remains volatile, particularly in Ahmedabad, where renewed rioting and violence broke out on April 25. 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,'' the British travel advisory of April 29 said. And the website of Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade had this advice to offer: "Religious violence has occurred in several cities in the western State of Gujarat, resulting in over 800 deaths... Canadians in Gujarat should limit their travel and be particularly vigilant. Travel at night should be avoided. Canadians should avoid crowds, monitor news reports closely and carry proof of identity at all times.''

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