US issues level-2 travel advisory for India, citing rape, violence, terror threats
Washington/New Delhi: The United States has issued a sudden update to its travel advisory for India, categorising it under Level 2 and urging its citizens to “exercise increased caution” due to the risk of crime and terrorism.
The advisory, issued on June 16 by the US State Department, specifically warned female travellers against journeying alone and cited rape as “one of the fastest growing crimes in India.” It noted that violent crimes, including sexual assaults, frequently occur at tourist spots and public locations, while terrorist attacks could happen with little or no warning at places like transportation hubs, shopping malls, government offices, and popular tourist destinations.
“The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in rural areas of India,” the advisory stated. It identified regions stretching from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana to western West Bengal as particularly challenging in terms of consular support. American government personnel are now required to obtain special authorisation before travelling to these areas.
The advisory also highlighted certain legal issues, warning that possession of satellite phones or GPS devices is illegal in India and may attract fines up to $200,000 or imprisonment for up to three years.
It advised US citizens to exercise heightened caution in Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border areas, and parts of central and eastern India. US government employees are required to seek prior approval to travel beyond the capital cities of several states, including:
* Bihar
* Jharkhand
* Chhattisgarh
* West Bengal
* Meghalaya
* Odisha
Approval is also required for travel to the eastern regions of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, the advisory discouraged US citizens from crossing into Nepal via land routes due to risks of immigration-related detention and penalties.
The northeastern state of Manipur and the broader Northeastern region were given special mention, indicating increased risks for American citizens in those areas.
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AIITA welcomes Karnataka’s ban on obscene songs in school events
Bhatkal: The Karnataka unit of the All India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) has welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to strictly ban school children from dancing to obscene songs during educational and cultural programmes in government, aided, and private schools across the state.
AIITA Karnataka State President M. R. Manvi congratulated the government for taking what he termed an important step to preserve the sanctity of education.
“Such decisions to safeguard the dignity of school children and uphold the values of education are the need of the hour. This rule should not be limited to government schools alone but must be strictly implemented in all private educational institutions as well,” he said.
He further urged the government to address other concerns within school programmes.
“The government should not only prohibit obscene dances in the name of school anniversaries, but also ensure that plays and dialogues that incite religious hatred are avoided. Schools should be centres of harmony, not platforms for spreading hatred,” he added.
According to a recent circular issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, obscene dances are adversely affecting the mental health and moral values of students.
In this regard, schools have been advised to use songs that promote nationalism, positive thinking, the greatness of Kannada culture, and value-based traditions instead of inappropriate content during programmes.
The circular also emphasises that students should be dressed in decent attire.
AIITA also backed the department’s warning that disciplinary action would be taken against head teachers if such guidelines are violated. The association has further demanded that district Deputy Directors of Public Instruction strictly monitor the implementation of these rules.
