Warden Message

U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata
American Citizen Services Unit
5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Kolkata (Formerly known as Calcutta)
West Bengal, India 700 071
Telephone: (91) (33) 3984-2400 extn 2443
Facsimile: (91) (33) 2282-2335
E-mail American Citizen Services: KolkataACS@state.gov
http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov

April 9, 2009

Security Situation in Eastern India

This warden message is being issued to alert American citizens in or traveling to  eastern India to an increase in violent activity by extremist Maoist groups known as ‘Naxalites’ in the states of West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkand. This increased activity has resulted in a steadily deteriorating security environment where local authorities are only able to exercise limited control in some parts of this region.  The U.S. Mission in India is conducting a thorough evaluation of the security situation in all Indian states affected by 'Naxalite'-related violence in order to establish a policy governing travel by U.S. government employees in these states.
 
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. 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. 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 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.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003, Telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300, The Internet home page address is http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov.