The government of the United States has asked its citizens to avoid traveling to Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, India-Pakistan border and parts of central and eastern parts of the country where Naxalites are active.
The State Department has refreshed its travel advisory on India in which it alerts that it is updated for information on north-eastern states.
“Be aware of a higher level of caution, there is more crime, as well as terrorism. There are places with escalated risks,” it added.
Thus, India is placed at Level 2 while certain areas have been raised to Level 4: Jammu and Kashmir, India-Pak border, Manipur and parts of Central and East India.
“The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (except for eastern Ladakh region (Leh) and all regions therein) due to terrorism and civil unrest; Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict; Parts of Central & East India due to terrorism; Manipur due to violence.” said the State Department.
Another recommendation was made by them. This is regarding Americans who intend visiting any place in these eight states excepting Assam where they think twice before doing so because these areas are notorious for terrorist activities and other forms of violence.
Naxal threats
In addition, southwestern areas of Odisha remain affected. The Naxalites have carried out many terrorist attacks against local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials,” it explained.
It also stated that “US government employees traveling in India require prior approval before visiting the states Sikkim including Arunachal Pradesh” but this was however silent on other tourist spots such as Assam where an American can visit without having gone through such process.