Washington: The U.S. government has updated its travel advisory, urging American citizens to avoid travel to specific regions in India, including Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern state of Manipur, citing serious safety concerns.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the State Department has elevated these areas to “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” indicating a high level of risk due to ongoing security issues. The advisory highlights the need for travelers to exercise caution throughout India due to prevailing crime and violence, advising them to stay well-informed about the local security situation.

In response to the advisory, Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference, voiced his discontent on Thursday, criticizing the Indian government’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir. He remarked that despite promises of transformation and normalization, the continuation of such strict advisories by the U.S. contradicts the Indian government’s portrayal of an improved situation in the region.

Abdullah’s comments on social media platform X underscored his skepticism about the Indian government’s claims of peace and stability in the area, especially in light of recent international events hosted in the region, which he referred to as ineffective in changing foreign perceptions.