US, UK Issue Travel Advisories Amid Violence In Northeast Over New Citizenship Act

Amid ongoing protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, the United States and United Kingdom on Friday issued travel advisories asking their citizens to "exercise caution" while their travel to the region. An advisory issued by the United Kingdom read, "Demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Bill are taking place in some parts of the country. There have been reports of violent protest in Northeast India, especially in Assam and Tripura. An indefinite curfew has been imposed in Guwahati and mobile internet services have been suspended in 10 districts of Assam."

“Transport may be affected in various parts of the region. You should exercise caution if you are planning to travel in North East India, monitor local for the latest information, follow the instruction of the local authorities and allow more time for travel," it added.

The US also issued an advisory saying that it has "temporarily suspended" official travel to Assam. The advisory asked officials to keep a "low profile."

According to the amended Act, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 and face religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship. President Ram Nath Kovind had given assent to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on Thursday night, turning it into an Act.

Meanwhile, protests have intensified in India against the act. A large number of protesters, including Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind leaders, protested at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Friday against the amended citizenship law, which they described as "anti-constitutional" and "divisive", and demanded its immediate withdrawal. Separately, Jamia Millia Islamia University students held a protest against the law at the university. A third protest was organised by the Delhi Congress in Seelampur area of East Delhi.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah cancelled his visit to two Northeastern states -- Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh -- on Sunday and Monday next, officials said.