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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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
