Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Urges Foreign Nations to Reconsider Travel Advisories for Assam

CM Sarma said that many countries still list northeastern states in restricted categories in their travel advisories despites the fact that Assam have not witnessed any violence in the last

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called on foreign countries to reconsider their travel advisories that categorize Assam and the northeastern states as “restricted areas,” emphasizing that Assam has remained free from violence and militant activities for the past 5 years.

Speaking at the 12th International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Kaziranga on Wednesday, CM Sarma highlighted the challenge of global misconceptions that continue to affect tourism in the Northeast.

CM Sarma said, “In Assam, we have not experienced any militant activities or violence in the last 5 years. Yet, many countries still list northeastern states in restricted categories in their travel advisories. Countries like America and Japan have put some kind of question mark for their citizens visiting the Northeast.”

He further explained that he is in constant touch with various embassies and is seeking the assistance of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to change these outdated perceptions.

CM Sarma emphasized that overcoming these misconceptions is crucial for attracting foreign tourists to the Northeast.

“We are in constant touch with the embassies and seeking the help of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Changing the perception is very important. Perception management is very important before we can increase international tourist footfall in the region,” the Chief Minister added.

It may be mentioned here that several European countries, besides the US and the UK, have listed India’s Northeastern region as risky, advising their citizens to exercise extreme caution or refrain from visiting there.

The latest US advisory, updated in July 2024, recommended Americans to reconsider travel to the Northeast, citing terrorism and violence.

Similarly, Canada has urged caution, advising against non-essential travel to Assam and Manipur, while the UK has recommended only essential travel to Manipur.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has also issued a warning, advising against all but essential travel to Manipur.

Also Read: 90 Infra Projects Worth Rs 3,417 Cr Sanctioned for Northeast Over 4 Years

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