TOURISTS are now largely heeding warnings to steer clear of the Indian region where Blackburn student Paul Wells was kidnapped, officials have revealed.

The news came as the partners of two of Paul's fellow hostages reached the Indian summer capital of Srinigar on their quest to appeal for the release of the men.

There were concerns following the capture on July 4 last year that many trekkers were still being lured into the Kashmir Valley by people involved in the local tourist industry.

But a spokesman at the Indian High Commission in New Delhi said it now appeared that people were adhering to Foreign Office guidelines warning people not to travel in the area.

The spokeswoman added that several recent incidents had also deterred Indian people from travelling in the area.

She added: "Two Indian members of a tourist party were recently killed while trekking in Kashmir.

"The area is traditionally busier during May, June, July and August when the weather is quite pleasant.

"But our advice is simply to stay away."

Jane Schelly, wife of American hostage Donald Hutchings, and Julie Mangan, wife of British hostage Keith Mangan, have now been touring India and parts of Kashmir for almost a month.

The two women have travelled to Srinigar with British diplomat Philip Barton to appeal to the separatist leaders to release their loved ones.

The Government has admitted that is has had no proof that Paul, 25, of Bracken Close, Feniscowles, Blackburn, and three other Western captives, are alive since August of last year.

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