Citizenship Protest: US, UK Warn Citizens Against Travelling Northeast India

Looking at the tense situation prevailing in the North-Eastern states amidst the protests against the new Citizenship Act, the US and the United Kingdom have issued a travel advisory for their citizens. The countries have asked them to be cautious while travelling in the area.

Travel Advisory For The Citizens

The statements issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office told the British travellers to keep themselves updated with the local media and to follow the instructions of the local authorities, Deccan Chronicle reported

“You should exercise caution if you’re planning to travel in Northeast India, monitor local media for the latest information, follow instructions of the local authorities, and allow more time for travel,” the statement said.

The US Embassy told its citizens living in the currently troubled areas to avoid areas with demonstrations and civil disturbances and maintain a low profile.

The embassy statement also said, “The government has temporarily suspended official travel to Assam.

Canada has also asked its citizens to check with airlines and tour operators to see if the situation is favourable enough for them to travel whereas France has suspended its air travel to these areas.

Aftermath Of The Act

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was tabled and passed in both houses of the Parliament last week. The Bill was formulated into legislation after President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent on Thursday.

The Act seeks to provide refuge to the non-Muslim minorities such as Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, and Parsis who have faced persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan and have come into India till 31st December 2014.

The blatant exclusion of the Muslim community has caused an uproar all across the nation. An extremely tense situation is prevailing in the North-Eastern states at the moment due to violent protests taking place.

Curfew has also been imposed in areas of Assam and the internet has been suspended in 10 districts of the state.

Also Read: Explained: How New Citizenship Bill Will Pave Way For ‘Hindutva Version Of Pakistan’ In India