The High Commission of India in London has issued a travel advisory for Indian citizens planning to visit the United Kingdom, following violent protests and clashes in some parts of the country. The advisory urges travellers to remain vigilant and exercise caution while traveling within the UK.
The travel advisory for Indian citizens comes in the wake of recent unrest across the UK triggered by anti-immigrant protests following a stabbing incident in Southport that killed three children. The misinformation and disinformation about the attacker’s identity exacerbated tensions, leading to violent protests and clashes in various cities.
The High Commission has advised Indian visitors to stay informed by following local news and security advisories issued by local authorities. It has asked Indian nationals to avoid areas where protests or disturbances are taking place to ensure personal safety.
The advisory comes amid on-going violent clashes which have targeted immigrants and asylum-seekers in parts of the UK since last week. In the advisory, the High Commission also said it is closely monitoring the situation and asked the visitors to avoid violence-hit areas. Several parts of England (Rotherham, Middlesbrough, and Bolton) and Northern Ireland witness anti-immigration violence.
"Indian travellers would be aware of recent disturbances in some parts of the United Kingdom. The High Commission of India in London is closely monitoring the situation. Visitors from India are advised to stay vigilant and exercise due caution while travelling in the UK. It is advisable to follow local news and advisories issued by local security agencies, and to avoid areas where protests are underway," the High Commission of India in London said in its advisory.
Advisory comes a week after the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport, north-west England, and incorrect social media claims over the UK-born suspect’s asylum-seeker status. The trigger of the riots lies in Southport, near Liverpool, which was the scene of the stabbing of a group of young children at a Taylor Swift themed dance class on July 29.
Axel Rudakubana, 17, who has been charged with three murders and other attempted murders, was born in Cardiff, Wales, to Rwandan parents. However, initial false social media posts claimed he was a refugee who arrived last year on a small boat.
