UK Issues Travel Warning After Violent Protests Erupt In India Over Temple Issue

British nationals who are in India, or planning to visit the country have been asked by UK government to remain cautious as there are have been protests in various parts of country’s Southern state, Kerala over the issue of women of menstruating age accessing the Sabarimala Temple.

The UK foreign and commonwealth office (FCO) in travel advisory on Friday (4) said, “there have been violent protests in some towns and cities in Kerala over the issue of women accessing the Sabarimala temple; some public services have been disrupted in the wake of clashes between police and protesters; if you're in Kerala or due to travel there, you should monitor media reports closely, remain vigilant and avoid large public gatherings”.

Visitors to India should avoid protests or large gatherings, follow the advice of the local authorities and travel company and monitor the local media and any curfew restrictions that may be in place, the travel advisory said.

“If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is severely limited in parts of India where we advise against all travel and limited where we advise against all but essential travel,” FCO said.

Over 940,000 British nationals visited India in 2017.

Violent clashes were reported from Kerala state after three women of menstruating age accessed Sabarimala Temple this week. The hill temple is one of a few temples in India which prohibits the entry of women of menstruating age.

Amid ongoing protests, Kerala state government allowed the women to enter the temple secretly under police protection earlier this week which backs India’s top court judgement that ordered the lifting of the ban breaking centuries-old custom of the temple allowing the women to access the temple.