heureusement

The Department recommends that U.S. citizens defer all non-essential travel to Telangana and certain parts of Hyderabad

Travel Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of Consular Affairs

_____ 

This information is current as of today, Wed Dec 30 09:21:57 2009.

India

December 29, 2009

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to continuing security
concerns in India. The U.S. Government continues to receive information
that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India. Terrorists and
their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to
attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or
visit.  In addition, there continues to be a possibility of violence in
the south-central Indian state of Andhra Pradesh over the contentious
issue of creating a separate state within Andhra Pradesh.  This Alert
replaces the Travel Alerts dated October 29 and December 9, 2009, and
expires on January 31, 2010.

The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provided a vivid reminder that
hotels and other public places are especially attractive targets for
terrorist groups. U.S. citizens are urged always to practice good
security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile.
Americans are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the
level of security present when visiting public places, including
religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and
recreation venues.

There is also the possibility of violence in the south-central Indian
state of Andhra Pradesh as civil unrest continues over the contentious
issue of statehood for the Telangana region. The Department recommends
that U.S. citizens defer all non-essential travel to Telangana and
certain parts of Hyderabad (especially the Assembly and Secretariat,
Osmania University, Panjagutta, and Ameerpet areas). The Telangana
Region includes the districts of Rangareddi, Warangal, Medak, Nizamabad,
Karimnagar, Adilabad, Khammam, Nalgonda, and Mahbubnagar.  There has
also been sporadic unrest in the coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions,
most notably in the cities of Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Ongole,
Kurnool, and Chittoor.

Andhra Pradesh continues to experience episodic civil unrest as pro- and
anti-statehood political groups rally supporters to their respective
causes. A number of strikes have shut down schools and businesses,
making it at times difficult to obtain essentials such as gasoline.
Protesters have targeted public transportation, attacking trains and
burning numerous buses.  Public transportation networks have been forced
to shut down several times.

There have been repeated clashes between police and protesters, damage
to private property, and a number of deaths and injuries associated with
the disturbances. Government security forces have been augmented in many
parts of the state, especially in Hyderabad and in the Telangana region.

U.S. citizens resident or traveling in Andhra Pradesh during this period
are reminded to maintain a high level of security awareness at all times
and avoid political rallies, demonstrations, and large crowds of any
kind.  U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via media sources,
including TV and radio and via the Internet.
U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with
the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the
<https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/> State Department’s
travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information
on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register
directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering,
American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact
them in case of emergency. For additional information, please refer to “
<http://travel.state.gov/> A Safe Trip Abroad.”