state.gov
US State Department : Patterns of Global Terrorism: 1999
Asia Overview
India
Security problems persisted in India in 1999 from ongoing insurgencies in Kashmir and the northeast. Kashmiri militant groups continued to attack Indian Government, military, and civilian targets in India-held Kashmir and elsewhere in the country. The militants probably bombed a passenger train traveling from Kashmir to New Delhi on 12 November, killing 13 persons and wounding 50. Militant groups operating in Kashmir also mounted a grenade attack against a wedding in Srinagar, Kashmir's summer capital, which wounded at least 20 wedding participants. In the northeast, Nagaland's Chief Minister escaped injury on 29 November when a local extremist group attacked his convoy. The attack killed two of his guards and injured several others.
The Indian Government took a number of steps against terrorism at home and abroad. In August the Indian cabinet ratified the international convention for the suppression of terrorist bombings. New Delhi also introduced a convention on the suppression of terrorism at the UN General Assembly meeting. Indian law enforcement authorities continued to cooperate with US officials to ascertain the fate of four Western hostages--including one US citizen-- kidnapped in 1995 in Indian Kashmir, although the hostages' whereabouts remained unknown. New Delhi announced in November 1999 the establishment of a US-India Counterterrorism Working Group, which aimed to enhance efforts to counter international terrorism worldwide.
Pakistan
Pakistan is one of only three countries that maintains formal diplomatic relations with--and one of several that supported--Afghanistan's Taliban, which permitted many known terrorists to reside and operate in its territory. The United States repeatedly has asked Islamabad to end support to elements that conduct terrorist training in Afghanistan, to interdict travel of militants to and from camps in Afghanistan, to prevent militant groups from acquiring weapons, and to block financial and logistic support to camps in Afghanistan. In addition, the United States has urged Islamabad to close certain madrasses, or "religious" schools, that actually serve as conduits for terrorism.
Credible reports continued to indicate official Pakistani support for Kashmiri militant groups that engage in terrorism, such as the Harakat ul-Mujahidin (HUM). The hijackers of the Air India flight reportedly belong to one of these militant groups. One of the HUM leaders, Maulana Masood Azhar, was freed from an Indian prison in exchange for the hostages on the aircraft in the Air India hijacking in December and has since returned to Pakistan.
Kashmiri extremist groups continued to operate in Pakistan, raising funds and recruiting new cadre. The groups were responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in 1999 against civilian targets in India-held Kashmir and elsewhere in India. Pakistani officials from both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's government and, after his removal by the military, General Pervez Musharraf's regime publicly stated that Pakistan provided diplomatic, political, and moral support for "freedom fighters" in Kashmir--including the terrorist group Harakat ul-Mujahidin--but denied providing the militants training or materiel.
On 12 November, shortly after the United Nations authorized sanctions against the Taliban, but before the sanctions were implemented, unidentified terrorists launched a coordinated rocket attack against the US Embassy, the American center, and possibly UN offices in Islamabad. The attacks caused no fatalities but injured a guard and damaged US facilities.
Sectarian and political violence remained a problem in 1999 as Sunni and Shia extremists conducted attacks against each other, primarily in Punjab Province, and as rival wings of an ethnic party feuded in Karachi. Pakistan experienced a particularly strong wave of such attacks across the country in August and September. Domestic violence dropped significantly after the military coup on 12 October.
In the wake of US diplomatic intervention to end the Kargil conflict that broke out in April between Pakistan and India, several Pakistani and Kashmiri extremist groups stridently denounced US interference and activities. Jamiat-e-Ulema Islami leaders, for example, reacted to US diplomacy in the region by harshly and publicly berating US efforts to bring wanted terrorist Usama Bin Ladin, who is based in Afghanistan, to justice for his role in the 1998 US Embassy bombings in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. The imposition of US sanctions on 14 November against Afghanistan's Taliban for its continued support for Bin Ladin drew a similar response.
US State Department Consular Information Sheet -- India
[excerpt]
SAFETY/SECURITY:
Terrorism: In July 1995, several Western tourists, including two Americans, were kidnapped by terrorists in Kashmir. One hostage was brutally murdered and one, an American, escaped. The remaining hostages, including one American, have not been released and their whereabouts are unknown. In 1996-1997 New Delhi was the site of numerous terrorist bombing attacks, although recently bombings in New Delhi and elsewhere have dropped to only a few a year. Such bomb blasts have occurred in public places, as well as on public transportation (common carriers), such as trains and buses. While no U.S. citizens were among the victims, other foreign visitors were reported injured. There is no pattern that has emerged in these attacks, nor is there any indication that they are directed against foreigners in general or Americans in particular. Nevertheless, U.S. citizens should be alert to suspicious packages in public places, and avoid crowds, political demonstrations, and other manifestations of civil unrest.
Civil Disturbances: Major civil disturbances pose risks to a traveler’s personal safety and can disrupt transportation systems and city services. In response to such violence, Indian authorities may occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. Political rallies and demonstrations in India have the potential for violence, especially during periods immediately preceding and following elections. In addition, the potential exists for religious and inter-caste violence. While such violence has not usually specifically targeted foreigners, mobs have attacked Christian workers, including foreigners. Missionary activity has aroused strong reactions in some areas, and an Australian missionary and his two sons were murdered by a mob in the eastern state of Orissa in January 1999. Nevertheless, the principal risk for foreigners appears to be that of becoming inadvertent victims. U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. Consulate for further information about the current situation in areas where they wish to travel.
Areas of Instability: Kashmir - The Department of State strongly urges private U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the Kashmir Valley and Doda District of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. American and other Western tourists were taken hostage (and at least one murdered) in Kashmir by terrorists in 1995. In 1999 the terrorist organization Harakat-Ul-Mujahideen issued a ban on Americans, including tourists, visiting Kashmir. Within the state, the Leh District of the Ladakh region has been largely unaffected by terrorist violence. Srinagar, the Kashmir valley, and the Doda District of Jammu remain very dangerous places, where terrorist activities and violent civil disturbances continue. An American tourist was fatally shot in Srinagar in 1994; in October 1999 a French tourist was shot and wounded in Srinagar; and in May 2000 a Czech tourist also was shot and wounded. Srinagar also has been the site of a number of car bombings, market bombings, and landmine deaths to date in 2000. In May 2000 a Minister for the state of Jammu and Kashmir was killed in a landmine explosion south of Srinagar. Also in May 2000, rocket propelled grenades were fired at a government building in Srinagar, killing a government employee and wounding others. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the state of Jammu and Kashmir without permission from the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi.
travel.state.gov
US State Department Consular Information Sheet -- Pakistan
[excerpt]
SAFETY/SECURITY/AREAS OF INSTABILITY: Bombings continue to occur throughout Pakistan with alarming frequency. Bombs have exploded in public markets, on a train, at a bus station and in other public venues during the past year causing numerous casualties. Rallies, demonstrations and processions occur from time to time throughout Pakistan on very short notice and have occasionally taken on an anti-American or anti-Western character. Karachi and the southern parts of Punjab province have experienced protracted political or sectarian violence that, although not explicitly anti-American, poses a potential danger to American travelers. During the Islamic religious observances of Ramadan and Moharram, sectarian rivalry and violence often increase. Family feuds are frequently fatal and may be followed by retaliation. Women do not walk out alone and it is not wise to travel in the streets late at night. Travelers may wish to maintain a low profile, blend in, and seek security in the traveler's family or sponsoring organization.
Northern Areas - Visitors wishing to trek in Gilgit, Hunza, Chitral and the upper Swat valley should use only licensed guides and tourist agencies. There have been occasional assaults and in 1998, a U.S. tourist who was not accompanied by a guide was murdered in Gilgit.
Northwest Frontier Province - Substantial areas within the Northwest Frontier Province are designated tribal areas and are outside the normal jurisdiction of government law enforcement authorities. Visitors risk being caught in armed clashes between tribal factions or smugglers. Carjackings and the abduction of foreigners are occasionally reported from the tribal areas. If visitors must enter the tribal areas, a permit from the Home and Tribal Affairs Department is required. The permit may stipulate that an armed escort must accompany the visitor. Even in the settled areas of the Northwest Frontier Province, there is occasional ethnic, sectarian, and political violence as well as anti-foreign rhetoric; foreigners should steer clear of such demonstrations or known areas of conflict. However, the monthly steam train excursion for tourists from Peshawar through the Khyber Pass is well protected by local authorities.
Kashmir: Military operations continue along the Line of Control in Kashmir and military exchanges between Pakistani and Indian forces often result in deaths and injuries on both sides. Jihadist groups, some of whom have made anti-American statements, are active in the area. Many areas are restricted. Americans planning travel in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir should contact the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad prior to travel in the area and assure that they have taken appropriate security precautions. Due to security reasons, U.S. Embassy employees do not routinely travel to Kashmir. An American and other Westerners were kidnapped in Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1995 and have never been found.
Punjab Province - Sectarian violence decreased considerably during the first half of 1999, from the high 1998 levels of violence, which resulted in dozens of deaths. While Americans are not targets of this violence, the foreign community is not immune, as evidenced by the 1997 assassination of five Iranians in an attack widely believed to have had sectarian overtones. As a precaution against possible dangers resulting from sectarian violence, U.S. citizens are cautioned to avoid public transportation and crowded areas.
Sindh Province - In the areas of Karachi and Hyderabad there have been recurring outbreaks of ethnic and sectarian violence characterized by an increasing number of random bombings, shootings and mass demonstrations. These have resulted in deaths and the imposition of curfews. There have also been numerous incidents of kidnappings for ransom. In rural Sindh Province, the security situation is hazardous, especially in regard to overland travel. Foreigners have occasionally been kidnapped and, in a 1995 incident, the foreign kidnap victim was killed in a subsequent gunfight between police and bandits. The Government of Pakistan has recommended that travelers limit their movements in Sindh Province to the city of Karachi. If visitors must go into the interior of Sindh Province, the Government of Pakistan requests that travelers inform police authorities well in advance of the trip so that necessary police security arrangements can be made.
Baluchistan Province - The province of Baluchistan, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan, is notorious for cross-border smuggling. Armed battles between clans are frequent. Because provincial police presence is limited, travelers wishing to visit the interior of Baluchistan should consult with the province's Home Secretary. Advance permission from provincial authorities is required for travel into some areas. Local authorities have detained travelers who lack permission. Although Quetta, the provincial capital, is quieter than the interior, it has experienced serious ethnic violence that has led to gun battles in the streets and the imposition of curfews.
Returning Americans of Afghan origin are sometimes targets for harassment for extortion by the local populace and even by police, local immigration and customs officials--especially if they do not have a well-established family structure in Pakistan.
travel.state.gov
Pakistan - Travel Warning
September 25, 2001
travel.state.gov
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to Pakistan and whether to remain in Pakistan.
The September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States and possible responses in Afghanistan heighten the need for vigilance on the part of American citizens resident in or traveling through Pakistan.
In neighboring Afghanistan, the Taliban authorities, which control at least 90 percent of Afghanistan, continue to harbor international terrorist Usama bin Laden and members of his terrorist network. While the Government of Pakistan has expressed its full support for the international campaign against terrorism, some public sympathy and support for the Taliban, as well as for bin Laden, exist in Pakistan, and the presence of indigenous sectarian and militant groups in Pakistan require that all Americans in or traveling through Pakistan take appropriate steps to maintain their security awareness. Events in the Middle East also increase the possibility of violence.
As a result of these concerns, on September 17, the Department authorized the departure of all U.S. Embassy and Consulate personnel in non-emergency positions and family members at our missions in Pakistan. In addition, as of Tuesday, September 25, all American employees at theU.S. Consulate in Lahore departed Lahore. While emergency American citizens services will be provided to the extent possible by remaining Consulate Lahore foreign national staff, request for non-emergency American citizens services should be directed to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. Further, the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar has temporarily located some U.S. employees to Islamabad in light of rising tensions in Peshawar. U.S. citizens are advised to consider U.S. Mission reduced staffing levels at these posts and the resultant decrease in the services they are asked to provide while considering travel in the region.
All American citizens in Pakistan are urged to consider their personal security situations and to take those measures they deem appropriate to ensure their well being, including consideration of departure from the country. Consulates in Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi and the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad remain available for emergency services to American citizens on a limited basis. However, from time to time, the missions in Pakistan have and will continue to temporarily close or suspend public services as necessary to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy.
Americans who despite this warning reside in or visit Pakistan should exercise maximum caution and take prudent measures. This includes maintaining a strong security posture by being aware of their surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes and notifying the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in case of any change in the local security situation.
The U.S. Embassy also urges all American citizens to defer travel to the tribal areas of Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province until further notice. The Government of Pakistan requires all citizens of countries other than Pakistan and Afghanistan to obtain permission from the Home and Tribal Affairs Department prior to visiting these tribal areas which lie outside the normal jurisdiction of the Government of Pakistan. |
