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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SC orders Delhi authorities to clear localities of stray dogs
Warns of action against obstruction to operation
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court has instructed the Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the New Delhi Municipal Corporation to clear all localities of Delhi, especially the open localities and cities, of stray dogs, making no compromise in the operation.
Hearing a suo motu case initiated by the court over several incidents of rabies and deaths from stray dog bites, a two-judge bench consisting of Justice JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said that the operation should also be undertaken at the earliest, reports Bar and Bench.
The judges directed the authorities to plan the operation, including forming a force for it. They further stressed that clearing the localities of stray dogs should be a priority for the authorities.
The Delhi government and the municipalities were directed to create dog shelters within eight weeks and equip them with staff members to sterilize and immunize the dogs. The dog shelters should also be provided with CCTV cameras, the judges have said.
The apex court has warned that strict action would be taken against individuals or organizations obstructing the operation. Referring to animal rights activists and criticizing them heavily, the bench asked if the activists could bring alive the victims of rabies.
The judges orally stated, "We are not doing this for us—it is for the public interest. so no sentiments of any nature should be involved. Action should be taken at the earlier. Pick up dogs from all localities and shift them to far off places.”
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