Warden Message

U.S. Consulate General
Kolkata, India
February  21, 2008

This warden message is being issued to alert American citizens in or traveling to the areas of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Siliguri, and Kalimpong in Eastern India about an ongoing bandh ("strike") called by the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha group in support of its demand for a separate Gorkha state. Blockades have already been set up on most roads leading to Darjeeling, and municipal services such as water and trash collection have been interrupted. Indian security forces have been sent to the region. American citizens should minimize travel and maintain a low profile in these areas until disruptions end.

We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to move quickly away from any demonstrations they may encounter. U.S. citizens should closely monitor local media and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Americans living or traveling in India are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov/, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within India. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy or the nearest Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Consulate 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. For the latest security information, Americans living traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Announcements, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements 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, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 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).