Amid violent protests against the the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) continued in the northeast, the US, UK and France have issued travel advisories for their citizens either not to travel to the region or to exercise caution if travelling to this part.
Curfew imposed in Assam’s largest city, Guwahati, has been relaxed from 9 am to 4 pm today. Long queues were seen at different places including Dispur, Uzan Bazar, Chandmari, Silpukhuri and Zoo Road outside shops. In Petrol pumps also vehicles waiting in lines to refuel. Schools and offices, however, remained shut.
No report of any violence was found in Guwahati last night, though broadband and internet services remain suspended. Crowd come out on the streets in thousands to protest against the amendment of the Citizenship Act.Indigenous people in the Northeast worry that the law endangers their identity and livelihood.
The US, in an advisory posted on the website of its mission in New Delhi, alerted its citizens in the northeastern states to exercise caution following the protests and violence in response to the CAA.
“Government curfews are in place in some areas. Internet and mobile communications may be disrupted. Transport may be affected in various parts of the region. Protests have also been reported in other parts of the country,” the advisory said, noting the US government has “temporarily suspended official travel to Assam”.
Similarly the UK Foreign Office said its citizens “should exercise caution if you’re planning to travel in North East India, monitor local media for the latest information, follow instructions of the local authorities and allow more time for travel”.The advisory noted about “violent protest in North East India, especially in Assam and Tripura”.
The French foreign ministry’s advisory also alerted French citizens saying air transport to Assam was suspended and travellers should “stay away from any gathering, regularly follow the news and to respect the orders of the Indian authorities (curfew in particular)”.
The Israeli government, in its advisory, asked its citizens not to travel to Assam and to cut short visits to other states of the northeast.
