The US State Department has issued a revised travel advisory for India, urging its citizens to avoid travel to several regions due to security concerns. The advisory elevates the risk level for several areas, placing them under “Level 4: Do Not Travel.” These include Jammu and Kashmir, excluding the eastern Ladakh region and Leh, due to terrorism and civil unrest; areas within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict; Manipur, due to ongoing ethnic conflict, violence, and crime, including attacks on government targets; and parts of central and east India, where the presence of Naxalite (Maoist) extremist groups poses a significant threat with regular attacks on government officials and security forces. The advisory also recommends reconsidering travel to the northeastern states due to terrorism and violence. The advisory highlights the high incidence of crime in India, including sexual assault, which has occurred even at tourist sites. It also emphasizes the possibility of terrorist attacks with little to no warning, with targets including tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, and government facilities.

The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in rural areas, particularly in regions affected by Naxalite activity. Operation in Occupied Kashmir leaves 4 Indian soldiers dead Pakistani delegation arrives in Occupied Jammu to inspect hydroelectric projects Indian forces burn two houses in Kashmir under guise of ‘operation’ The advisory specifically discourages travel to the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, due to the risk of violence. The only official border crossing for non-citizens between India and Pakistan is in Punjab, between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. Travelers are advised to check the border crossing’s status before traveling and to obtain a Pakistani visa if entering Pakistan. Travelers are also advised to be aware of the heightened risk of attacks in regions affected by Naxalite activity, which extend from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. The US State Department strongly advises its citizens to carefully consider the risks associated with traveling to these areas and to take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan