Don't travel to Manipur, J&K...': US advisory for Americans in India

US revises travel advisory for India; says don't travel to Manipur, J&K, India-Pak border and Central & East India

The US State Department has updated its travel advisory for India, urging American citizens to exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism. The advisory highlights specific regions with heightened risks, placing several areas at Level 4 – the highest warning level. "Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk,” the advisory stated.

Several regions have been marked as Level 4: Do Not Travel. These include Jammu and Kashmir (except eastern Ladakh and Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest. The State Department advises against all travel to this union territory. "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,” the advisory noted. Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border, travel is strongly discouraged due to the potential for armed conflict. Parts of Central and East India are also advised against due to terrorism, specifically activities of Maoist extremist groups known as Naxalites, who are active in a large area from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal.

These groups have targeted local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials. Manipur is not recommended for travel due to violence and crime. The advisory highlighted, "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."

The advisory also placed the northeastern states at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. "Ethnic insurgent groups occasionally commit acts of violence in parts of the northeast. These incidents include bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets. There have been no recent reports of violence in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura,” it said. The State Department emphasized that US government employees must obtain prior approval before traveling to the northeastern states, including Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as areas outside the capital cities of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura.

The advisory also raised general safety concerns across India, citing a rise in violent crimes. "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 advisory warned. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in rural areas, which include regions from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. US government employees require special authorization to travel to these areas.

For those considering travel to India, the State Department advises checking the current status of border crossings, particularly the official crossing between Attari in India and Wagah in Pakistan, and obtaining the necessary visas in advance.

PTI reports that the advisory is a significant update reflecting the current security situation in various parts of India, aiming to ensure the safety of US citizens traveling abroad.

(With inputs from agencies)