US Travel Advisory For India: On July 24, a travel advisory was issued by the US State Department, asking its nationals to avoid areas in India. According to this advisory, certain parts of the country have specific security threats against US travelers, particularly issues related to terrorism, Naxalism, and general crimes. However, going to Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, and areas near the border with Pakistan has been strictly forbidden.
US State Department Raises India Travel Alert to Level Two
The advisory moves India to a Level Two alert, which calls for increased caution. However, some areas have been raised to Level Four, which advises against all travel. These include Jammu and Kashmir except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital Leh; the area within ten kilometers of the border with Pakistan; parts of the central and eastern states of India; and Manipur.
The high alert comes in view of recent terrorist attacks and violent incidents, especially in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir. According to the advisory, increased incidents of violence, including recent terrorist activities and civil unrest, are major reasons cited by the US State Department. Violent crimes such as sexual assault, highlighted in this report, are respons Read more: India travel advisory: US issues highest-level alert.
“Indian authorities report that rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has happened at tourist sites and other locations. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities,” the travel advisory said.
US State Department Issues Level 4 Travel Advisory for Manipur and Jammu & Kashmir
Manipur has been categorized by the State Department as “Level 4: Do Not Travel”. “Do not travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime. Ongoing ethnic-based civil conflict has resulted in reports of extensive violence and community displacement. Attacks against Indian government targets occur on a regular basis. US government employees travelling in India require prior approval before visiting Manipur.”
“Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. It also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC,” it said.
US Advisory Warns of Terror Threats and Provides Guidance on India-Pakistan Border Crossings
It has, therefore, warned that terrorists may carry out attacks even in public places with minimal or no warning at all, particularly in tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping centers, and government buildings. The advisory further takes note of the prevailing security threats by issuing precautionary measures in order to protect American travelers by warning of the threats in these regions.
“India and Pakistan have a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official border crossing for non-citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab. It is between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but check its current status before you travel. To enter Pakistan, you need a Pakistani visa. Only US citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise, apply for a Pakistani visa in your home country before traveling to India,” it said.
Ongoing Attacks by Naxalites Intensify Security Concerns in Border Regions of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand
The attacks against the Indian government officers continue in the rural areas of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, mainly at the border areas of the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. It also affects southwest areas of Odisha. The Naxalites attack mainly has been against local police, para-military forces, and government officers. The unabated violence has been part of an increasing trend in terrorism and insurgency, greatly hitting the entire ambiance of these border regions with respect to stability and safety. The frequent assaults bring out the relentless threat posed by Naxalite groups in these areas, muddling all efforts toward maintaining law and order.