US advises Americans in India not to visit these states
The United States Department of State has revised its travel advisory for American citizens in India, as per an announcement made on Tuesday. The updated advisory urges Americans to reconsider travel to northeastern states, now classified under "Level 3" (Reconsider Travel). Furthermore, certain areas including the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border region, parts of central and East India, and Manipur have been categorized as "Level 4" (Do Not Travel) due to security concerns, reports said.
Overall travel advisory for India at Level 2
The overall travel advisory for India remains at "Level 2" (Exercise Increased Caution). The "Country Summary" for India in the advisory states: "Indian authorities report that rape is one of the fastest-growing crimes. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has happened at tourist sites and other locations." It also warns that "terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/malls, and government facilities."
Specific warnings for J&K
"The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to our citizens in rural areas. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra to northern Telangana through to western West," the advisory adds. It advises US citizens against visiting Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) due to "terrorist attacks" and "violent civil unrest," as well as "sporadic violence" between Indian and Pakistani forces along the LoC. However, it notes that visiting J&K's neighboring Union territory of Ladakh is considered "safe."
Advisory warns against violence by Maoists, ethnic insurgent
The advisory also cites the presence of "Maoist extremist groups who frequently target local officials," as the reason for caution in parts of central and eastern India. Additionally, it mentions "occasional acts of violence" by ethnic insurgent groups as the reason for advising caution in the northeastern states. To recall, Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence since May 2023 after a Tribal Solidarity March was organized in the hill districts to protest the Meiteis' demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
