Subhechcha Ganguly 
Due to “crime and terrorism,” the US urged its citizens on Friday to travel to India with “enhanced care” and to avoid the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
On a scale of one to four, with four being the highest, the US State Department downgraded the India Travel Advisory Level to 2 in a fresh advisory released on Friday.
A day before, the State Department had downgraded Pakistan to Level 3 and urged its nationals to rethink their travel plans, particularly to its unrest-ridden areas.
The State Department advised heightened vigilance in India because of crime and terrorism.Due to terrorism and civil turmoil, “Do not travel to: The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh.Due to the possibility of armed conflict, within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border,” it added.In accordance with the travel advice, “According to Indian officials, rape is one of the crimes that is increasing the quickest in India. Sexual assault and other violent crimes have happened in public places, including tourist attractions.”In accordance with the travel advice, “According to Indian officials, rape is one of the crimes that is increasing the quickest in India. Sexual assault and other violent crimes have happened in public places, including tourist attractions.”
“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist destinations, transit hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government buildings,” the statement stated.In the meantime, Donald Blome, the US ambassador to Pakistan, visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir this past week, referring to it frequently as AJK. After US Congresswoman Illhan Omar, it is the second prominent visit by a US official to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.According to Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for the ministry of external affairs, the Modi administration has informed Washington of its opposition to the US envoy’s visit and discussions in PoK.
