TRAVEL ALERT - INDIA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 126204 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC IN SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - INDIA STATE 00126204 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the possibility of violence as Andhra Pradesh continues to experience civil unrest. A demonstration is planned for December 10, and there is the potential that episodic clashes between the police and protesters will spark wider unrest in the city of Hyderabad. The Department recommends that U.S. citizens defer all non-essential travel to the Telangana Region of Andhra Pradesh 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, and Khammam. This Travel Alert supplements the Travel Alert for India dated October 29, 2009, and expires on December 31, 2009. ¶2. In the wake of political party Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader K. Chandrasekhar Rao's arrest on November 29, 2009, and his continuing hunger strike, there have been numerous reports of civil unrest. These have mainly taken the form of mob action against stores and vehicles, and enforced observance of a TRS-called strike. There have also been repeated clashes between police and protesters. Government security forces have been augmented in Hyderabad and in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. ¶3. 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 State Department's travel registration website (http://travel.state.gov) 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, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad." ¶4. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts, including the existing Travel Alert for India, can be found. Up- to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Consulate's website, Embassy's website and also at the Department's website. ¶5. U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information: -- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. -- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, STATE 00126204 002.2 OF 002 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. -- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44- 2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. -- The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984- 2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. -- The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300. ¶6. Minimize Considered. CLINTON