Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith) Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- India Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Tue, 8 Dec 1992 15:25:14 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - India ============================================================ INDIA - WARNING December 7, 1992 SUMMARY: The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, because of the riots and violence following the destruction of a mosque by Hindu extremists on December 6, 1992. In addition, U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling elsewhere in India, because riots have occurred in many places. The Indian authorities have imposed curfews and placed the Army on alert in many areas of the country. There is continuing terrorist activity in the Kashmir portion of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and in the State of Assam. Travel to the Valley of Kashmir and to Assam should be deferred until further notice. In addition, because of the continuing violence in the State of Punjab, U.S. citizens should defer all but essential travel to the Punjab as well as North-Central and North-Western Uttar Pradesh affected by this violence. Also, there have been several recent bombings in New Delhi, possibly related to the violence in the Punjab. Visitors should be aware that potentially dangerous demonstrations can occur anywhere in India on short notice, and although U.S. citizens may not be specifically targeted, they and their vehicles may inadvertently get caught up in a demonstration or riot. U.S. Citizens should read local English language newspapers and check with the consular section of the American Embassy in New Delhi or with the American Consulates General in Bombay, Madras and Calcutta for current information concerning the security situation at proposed destinations. END SUMMARY. On December 6, 1992, Hindu extremists destroyed the Babri mosque in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Sectarian rioting and violence have resulted throughout India. Indian authorities have declared curfews in numerous cities and towns, including Old Delhi, East Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Lucknow, Jaipur and Bombay. The Indian government has placed the Army on alert in several states. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Travelers should also avoid travel within the old city area of Delhi. In addition, U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling anywhere in India, because riots have occurred throughout the country. Travelers should avoid large, public gatherings or demonstrations, where there is a potential for violence. U.S. citizens should contact the American Embassy or the nearest American Consulate General for further information about the current situation in areas where they wish to travel. Kashmir, Assam, Punjab, Northwestern Uttar Pradesh: Because of continuing terrorist activity, tensions and disturbances, visitors are strongly advised to avoid the Kashmir portion of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The kidnapping of foreigners by terrorists in Kashmir underscores the advice that U.S. citizens should avoid Kashmir until further notice. Also, in view of the Government of India's announcement in September 1991 that Assam is a "disturbed area," U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to Assam. Because of continuing separatist violence in the state of Punjab, U.S. citizens should defer all nonessential travel there. In the spring of 1992, violent incidents related to the problems in the Punjab occurred at various places in the northwestern foothills and north-central Terai regions of Uttar Pradesh. The area affected runs from Saharanpur district in the west to Kheri district in the east and includes Jim Corbett National Park and Dudhwa National Park, as well as roads leading to Rishikesh, Dehra Dun and Mussoorie. Nonessential travel to or through these areas of Uttar Pradesh should be deferred. India-Pakistan Border: Travelers to the India/Pakistan border should exercise caution in view of the continued tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir. The only official border crossing point for foreigners is at Attari, Punab/Wagah, Pakistan. A Pakistani visa is required. West Bengal: Several foreigners visiting the Ananda Marg Organization's facilities in West Bengal have been detained. U.S. citizens planning travel to West Bengal should first contact the American Embassy in New Delhi or the American Consulate General in Calcutta for further information. Restricted/protected areas which require permission from the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs to visit are: The states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Aruachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Kulu district and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh, certain parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the area West of National highway no. 15 running from Ganganagar to Sanchar in Rajasthan, and the Union Territory of the Laccadive Islands. Areas for which permits will be issued by Indian consulates abroad without reference to the home ministry or by foreigners regional registration offices in India are: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Imphal town and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Mountain Climbing: Both India and Pakistan lay claim to an Area of the Karakoram Mountain range which includes the Siachen glacier. The two countries have established military outposts in the region and, since May 1984, armed clashes have occurred. Because of this situation, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens against traveling to or climbing peaks anywhere in the disputed area of East Karakoram range and on or near the Siachen Glacier. Climbers should in particular avoid the the following peaks which lie within the disputed area claimed by both India and Pakistan: Rimo peak, Apsarasas-1, 11, and 111, Tegam Kangri - 1, 11, and 111, suingi Kangri, Ghaint 1 and 11, Indira Col, and Sia Kangri. Piloting Civil Aircraft: In past years there have been a number of incidents when civil aircraft have been detained for deviating from approved flight plans. U.S. citizens piloting civil aircraft in India are therefore strongly cautioned against changing filed flight plans or overflying restricted airspace. Vaccinations: Please check with your local Public Health Service office for recommended vaccinations. Medical authorities suggest taking preventive measures against malaria, hepatitis, meningitis, and Japanese encephilitis [during the monsoon season]. Travelers arriving from countries where outbreaks of yellow fever have occurred will be required to furnish a certificate for yellow fever vaccination. All travelers should be aware of the possibility of outbreaks of cholera and gastroenteritis which occur during summer monsoon months [July and August], mostly in the poorer areas of India. The best protection includes eating only at better quality restaurants or hotels, drinking only boiled or bottled mineral water (seal unbroken) and avoiding ice. Eating untreated fruits and vegetables and cooked foods sold by street vendors can be risky. U.S. citizens in India are encouraged to obtain current information on the security situation by contacting the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, 110021, tel. 600-651; or by contacting the U.S. Consulates General in Bombay, Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, tel. (022) 363-3611; in Calcutta, 5/1 Ho Chi Minh, Sarani, 700071, tel. (033) 223-611; in Madras, Mount Road, 600006, tel. (044) 473-040. No. 92-179 This replaces the travel advisory for India dated May 19, 1992, to advise travelers to defer non-essential travel to the state of Uttar Pradesh and to inform travelers of the deteriorating security situation in Delhi and other areas of India.