Bhubaneswar: Minister of Food Suppliers, Consumer Welfare, Science & Technology Krushna Chandra Patra on Sunday strongly rebutted the US advisory, urging its citizens to exercise heightened caution in India due to risks of crime and terrorism, specifically highlighting Odisha among other states as a high-risk area.
Speaking to the media, Patra pointed to incidents of rioting and frequent gun violence in America. “Is there no unrest in America? Protests occur frequently. Gun violence happens routinely. Was there not an attack on Trump? Was the White House not attacked?” he remarked, questioning the basis of the advisory.
He emphasised that Odisha is a peace-loving state. “People in Odisha live in peace. You won’t find an atmosphere like this anywhere else in the world. Our government has zero tolerance for crime, and strict measures are in place. All issues are dealt with firmly,” he added.
The revised US advisory, classified as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, warns travellers about growing incidents of terrorism, civil unrest and violent crimes, including rape and sexual assault, particularly in tourist hubs, transport centres, markets, and other public areas. The US State Department specifically highlighted that women should avoid traveling alone in India as they may face elevated risks.
Also Read: Odisha Among Other ‘High Risk’ Zones In US Govt’s Travel Advisory For Its Citizens In India
Odisha features in the list of 14 states with US citizens warned against travelling to its south-western regions impacted by Maoists activities. “Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that share a border with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected,” the advisory stated.
The US government has asked its employees to obtain special authorisation before travelling to regions beyond the state capital, Bhubaneswar.
The June 18 advisory further stated that rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. “Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations.”
Incidentally, Odisha has also hit headlines for a series of alleged disturbing sexual assault cases, with three gang rapes reported across the state in the last few days.
