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.
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.
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 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.”
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