The US State Department has issued a revised travel advisory for India, advising American nationals against traveling to several high-risk areas due to concerns about crime, terrorism, and civil unrest.
Specifically, the advisory highlights that travel should be avoided in Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and parts of central and eastern India where Naxalite groups operate. The advisory places India at Level 2 overall but designates these areas at Level 4, which is the highest risk level.
Travel is particularly discouraged in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of eastern Ladakh and its capital, Leh, due to ongoing terrorism and civil unrest. The area along the India-Pakistan border within 10 km is also marked as high-risk due to potential armed conflict.
US State Department Issues Revised Travel Advisory for High-Risk Areas in India
Manipur is similarly flagged for its violence and crime, including ongoing ethnic-based conflicts and frequent attacks against Indian government targets. The advisory underscores the need for special authorization for US government employees traveling to these regions.
The advisory also notes the increase in violent crime, including sexual assault, across India. Reports indicate that such crimes have occurred at tourist sites and other locations, with terrorists targeting public areas such as markets and transportation hubs.
The document advises increased caution due to the unpredictable nature of these threats and highlights that the US government has limited capacity to offer emergency services in rural and conflict-affected areas.
In addition, the advisory covers regions affected by Naxalite insurgency, including eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, and parts of western West Bengal. The Maoists, or Naxalites, have been involved in violent attacks against government officials and security forces.
The advisory requires US government employees to obtain special permission to travel in most of these areas, although travel to capital cities may not need prior approval.
For northeastern states, the advisory suggests reconsidering travel due to occasional acts of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, such as bombings. However, it notes no recent reports of violence in states like Assam, Nagaland, and Sikkim. The travel restrictions also apply to parts of these states and require US government employees to seek prior approval for visits outside of major cities.
