The US government has advised its citizens against travelling to certain regions of India, including Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, areas near the India-Pakistan border, and parts of central and eastern India where Naxalites are active.
The State Department has issued an updated travel advisory for India to provide more information about the northeastern states.
“Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk,” it said.
India's overall rating is Level 2, but specific areas, including Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, Manipur, and parts of central and eastern India, have been assigned a Level 4 rating.
"Do not travel to: The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest; within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict; portions of Central and East India due to terrorism and Manipur due to violence and crime,” said the State Department.
Americans are advised to rethink their travel plans to the northeastern states due to concerns about terrorism and violence.
"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 travel advisory said.
Placing Manipur at "Level 4: Do Not Travel", the State Department said: "Do not travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime. 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. US government employees travelling in India require prior approval before visiting Manipur. Similarly, terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir."
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