WARDEN MESSAGES

Ongoing Violence in Darjeeling and Northern West Bengal

February 10, 2009

This warden message is being issued to alert American citizens in or traveling to the northern region of the eastern India state of West Bengal, including the areas of Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Dooars, to the continuing possibility of civil disturbances and demonstrations arising from the Gorkhaland independence movement.  Prior protests and demonstrations have resulted in deaths and injuries.  Buildings, including a police station, have been burned and destroyed.  American citizens living or traveling in this region can expect road blockades and disruptions to public transport.  U.S. government employees are required to notify the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata when they will be traveling in this region.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in India from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

All Americans traveling or residing in India are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, remain aware of their surroundings, avoid crowded places, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.  If unattended packages are spotted, American citizens should immediately exit the area and report the packages to authorities.  

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts 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 Embassy's website at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov, and also at http://travel.state.gov.

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 web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ 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, American 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" found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens 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 Embassy's Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad is located at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323 Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, 500003; telephone +91-40-4033-8300; fax +91-40-4033-8300.  The Internet home page address is http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata is located at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata, India 700071 and can be reached by telephone at +91-33-3984-2400, by fax at +91-33-2282-2335 or via e-mail at consularkolkata@state.gov. The Consulate’s Internet home page is located at http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov. 

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. The Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.

-- 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 Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.