Assam requests UK, Australia to withdraw travel advisory

Guwahati: Assam government has requested authorities in United Kingdom and Australia to withdraw their latest travel advisory to their citizens against traveling to Assam which has been clubbed together with some disturbed parts of India.
“Assam is a fine abode of natural beauty while its peace loving people treat all the visitors to the state with immense love and affection. Any misrepresentation of the actual situation creates unnecessary fear besides impacting the tourism potential of the state, as this can have a spiralling effect,” Dr Sarma said in his appeal to authorities in the UK and Australia adding it will be highly appreciated if the two countries immediately withdraw the said advisory.
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued advisory to its citizens saying, “Although  the overall security situation in the North-East of India is improving, some areas within the North- Eastern states, especially in Manipur and Assam, still experience sudden and random outbreaks of  violence.
There have been several incidents of violence in Assam including a shooting in Kokrajhar on  August 5, 2016 resulting in 14 deaths, and grenade explosions in Lakhimpur, Karbi Anglong and Guwahati.  Review your security arrangements carefully, seek advice from the local authorities and avoid large  crowds.”
The Australian advisory says, “We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to these areas due to  the risk of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and separatist and insurgent violence, including in  rural areas. Insurgent groups have attacked civilians and bombed buildings in these states.
On August  5, 2016 terrorists attacked a market at Balajan Tinali in Kokrajhar district in the state of Assam  killing at least 14 civilians.”
Terming the Kokrajhar incident as a rare occurrence and one which can sadly be experienced by any  modern society, the tourism minister, Dr Sarma said the law and order situation in Assam was perfect  and any fear or apprehension was unfounded.