US issues travel caution for Northern Telangana, Maha and West Bengal; What does it mean

Hyderabad: The United States has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for India, urging American citizens to ‘exercise increased caution’ due to threats of crime and terrorism, especially in attacks by left-wing extremist groups.

This alert, released by the US State Department on June 16, highlights specific regions of concern, including Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Telangana, West Bengal, Manipur and certain parts of central and eastern India.

From eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana to western West Bengal

According to the advisory, the US government’s ability to offer emergency assistance in rural areas of India is significantly limited. The advisory specifically mentions regions stretching from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana to western West Bengal as areas where safety risks are elevated.

As a result, US government personnel must receive special permission to travel to these regions.

Furthermore, the advisory notes that US employees stationed in India must obtain prior approval to travel to Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Odisha.

US government employees working in India also need approval to travel to the eastern region of Maharashtra and the eastern region of Madhya Pradesh.

“Maoist extremist groups, or ‘Naxalites,’ are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that border Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha. Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected. The Naxalites have carried out many terrorist attacks, targeting local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials,” said the advisory.

No threat to Telangana: Cops

In an official statement, Mahesh Bhagwat, Additional Director General Law and Order said, “There is no threat to anyone in Telangana. The state is peaceful. I shall discuss the matter with senior officials.”

What does ‘Level 2’ mean?

A ‘Level 2’ advisory signals a higher risk level than routine travel (Level 1). It advises US nationals to be especially cautious due to specific and ongoing threats, notably related to violent crime and terrorism.

The advisory issued said not to travel to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh, due to terrorism and civil unrest.

1. Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible.

2. Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan.

3. Violence also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.

4. The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC.

Why was the advisory issued?

1. Surge in violent crime, including sexual assault: The US government cited a notable rise in violent crimes, particularly rape, which it described as one of the fastest-growing offenses in India. Such crimes have been reported even in tourist areas, public spaces, and government premises, raising serious safety concerns for travellers.

2. Terrorism-related risks: The advisory flags the potential for terrorist attacks in crowded locations such as markets, malls, transportation hubs, tourist attractions, and government buildings. Regions identified as high-risk include eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, western West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, and areas near the India-Pakistan border.

3. Concerns for women travelling alone: The advisory specifically warns women against travelling solo in India due to their increased vulnerability to gender-based violence, citing previous incidents and patterns of harassment.

4. Limited US assistance in remote areas: In several rural and insurgency-prone regions, the US government’s capacity to assist its citizens is minimal. These constraints necessitate special travel authorisation for U.S. diplomatic personnel heading to these locations, underscoring the perceived threat.

5. Legal restrictions travellers should know: The US also reminds its citizens that carrying satellite phones or GPS tracking devices is illegal under Indian law. Violators may face fines up to $200,000 or imprisonment of up to three years.