US, UK, Canada asks citizens to ‘exercise caution’ while visiting India’s northeast

Demonstrators stand next to a burning barricade during a protest against the government's Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Guwahati on December 12, 2019. - Indian police fired blanks on December 12 as thousands of protesters ignored a curfew in the north-east of the country, in a fresh day of demonstrations against contentious new citizenship legislation. (Photo by Biju BORO / AFP)


As violent protest against the amended Citizenship Act continues in parts of northeastern India, governments of the United States, United Kingdom and Canada has issued their travel advisory asking their respective citizens to ‘exercise caution’ while travelling to the region.

An advisory issued by the American embassy stated that the US citizens should “exercise caution in light of media reports of protests and violence in response to the approval of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill”.

The US said they have also temporarily suspended official travel to Assam.

 

People walk past the wreckage of a vehicle which was set on fire by demonstrators during a protest against the government’s Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Guwahati. (Photo by Biju BORO / AFP)

 

“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 added.

The United Kingdom and Canada also issued a similar advisory.

All three nations have asked their citizens to keep a low profile, be aware of surroundings, monitor local media for updates, review personal security plans and notify friends and family for safety.

Since Wednesday, thousands of protesters are on the streets of the northeastern states protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), which has now become a law, clashing with police and plunging the region into chaos.

(With input from agencies)