The US State Department has once again launched a debate by issuing a travel advisory of Level 2 for American citizens and workers living in India. In this shocking judgment, the US has advised its citizens, especially women, to ‘take more precautions’ at any tourist destinations or other public places in India. The State Department has cited an increase in incidents of rape, violence and terrorism in India under its advisory.
America released new travel advisory for India
On June 16, the US State Department has advised its citizens to ‘take more precautions’ in India, updating its travel advisory. In this advisory, crime and terrorism have been described as the main reason, where the risk has been described as ‘more’ in some areas.
According to the advisory, ‘India has violent crime and terrorism.’ It specifically states that rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, including sexual harassment, also take place in tourist places and other public places.
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Warning over increasing cases of rape, violence and terrorism
Highlighting the threat of terrorism, the US has urged its citizens to avoid tourist places, transport centers, markets/shopping malls and government facilities, as they are considered sensitive to terrorist attacks.
A special warning has been issued for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, where it is advisable not to travel due to terrorism and civil unrest (except for Eastern Ladakh region and Leh). The State Department said, “Terrorist attacks and violent citizens unrest in the region are possible. Violence occurs in sputum and is common on the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan. There is also violence in tourist destinations of Kashmir Valley like Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam.” Advisory also stated that the Government of India does not allow foreign tourists to go to some areas of LoC.
Additionally, American citizens have also been warned of a possible armed conflict between India and Pakistan, and they have been advised not to travel in areas near the international border.
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Special warning for women
Advisory has given special advice to women to take extreme precautions, as well as stated that the US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in rural areas.
The State Department has also talked in detail on the Naxal threat in India. The advisory states that the Maoist extremist groups, also known as Naxalites, are active in a large area of India. The region extends from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana to West West Bengal. It has also included Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya and Odisha in the list of states affected by Naxalism.
A warning of special travel rules for American citizens visiting India has also been issued. They have been advised not to carry satellite phones or GPS devices, as it is illegal to keep them in India and can be imprisoned up to $ 200,000 or a jail of up to three years. Advisory also states that do not travel alone, especially if you are a woman.
Additionally, American citizens living in India have been instructed to review their travel plans, to be cautious about the environment around them and ensure travel insurance.