Chinese Tourist’s Illegal Kashmir Visit Leads to Cases Against 6 Hotels and Houseboats

The detention of a Chinese national for allegedly violating visa norms has triggered heightened scrutiny of foreign visitors in Jammu and Kashmir. Police have filed six cases against hotels, houseboats, and guesthouses for failing to report the stay of foreign nationals, officials said.

Five of these cases were registered in Srinagar, targeting establishments around Dal Lake and nearby areas. Under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, all facilities hosting foreign nationals are required to submit Form C to the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) to maintain security oversight and proper documentation.

A police official stated that non-compliance with Form C reporting prompted the legal action. In Pahalgam, a separate case was filed against a hotel that concealed the presence of two foreign visitors, while another homestay failed to report guests who stayed in August, according to police records.

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The detained Chinese national, 29-year-old Hu Congtai, had arrived in New Delhi on November 19 with a tourist visa intended for the Buddhist circuit. He allegedly traveled to Ladakh and Kashmir without registering with the FRO, visiting sites including Shankaracharya Hill, Hazratbal Shrine, and Awantipora Ruins near sensitive military installations.

Authorities noted that Congtai used a valid Indian SIM and searched online for information on CRPF deployments and Article 370, raising security concerns. Following his interrogation, he was released but may face deportation for visa violations.

The incident has prompted local authorities to intensify monitoring of foreign visitors and enforce strict reporting requirements for hotels and homestays, highlighting concerns over security and compliance in the region.

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