MFA issues travel advisory amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions
Singaporeans have been advised to defer all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir in India, and to Pakistan, amid the escalating tensions between the two nations.
“Travellers should also exercise precaution in other areas, especially the border regions between Pakistan and India, given the uncertain security situation,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a media statement on Wednesday (27 February).
“Several cities, including New Delhi and Mumbai, and the border districts of Kutch, Banaskantha, and Patan in Gujarat have been placed on high alert.”
Airport closed, flights cancelled
The statement added that there have also been reports of airport closures and flight cancellations in various Indian states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has also closed its airspace to all commercial flights, amid reports of flight cancellations across the country.
Singaporeans who are currently in India or Pakistan are advised to take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety. They should stay vigilant, monitor developments through the local news and heed the instructions of the local authorities.
“Do stay in touch with your family and friends in Singapore so that they know you are safe,” said the statement, which added that those in either India or Pakistan should e-register with the MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg.
Those who require consular services can contact the following:
Singapore High Commission in New Delhi, India
Address: E-6 Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Tel: +91 11 4600 0800 / +91 98102 03595
E-mail: singhc_del@mfa.sgSingapore Honorary Consulate-General in Karachi, Pakistan
Address: Lakson Square Building No. 2, Sarwar Shaheed Road, Karachi
Tel: +92 21 3568 6419 / +92 21 3568 5308
E-mail: singaporecg@cyber.net.pk24-hour MFA Duty Office
Tel: +65 6379 8800 / +65 6379 8855
‘Deep concern’ over current tensions
The MFA statement also expressed Singapore’s “deep concern the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama attack on 14 February 2019”.
At least 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed in the incident, which involved a suicide bombing on the India-controlled side of Kashmir. Since then, both sides have exchanged air strikes – with Pakistan on Wednesday claiming that it had downed two Indian warplanes.
“We call on both parties to ensure the safety of all civilians,” said the MFA statement.
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