Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday that the European Union has lifted its negative travel advisories for the state, following similar actions by Australia and Japan. The development comes after a recent visit by EU diplomats and is seen as a vote of confidence in Assam's security situation.
EU Advisory Lifted for Most of Assam
The advisory remains in place for three districts—Charaideo, Tinsukia, and Sivasagar—which are under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA). Sarma stated that EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin informed the state chief secretary that the restriction was lifted from Friday.
“After reviewing the situation in Assam, they have withdrawn the negative travel advisory from yesterday. All the 27 member-states of the EU have lifted the restrictions for its citizens travelling to our state, barring the three districts under AFSPA,” Sarma said during a Facebook Live session.
Efforts to Engage US and Canada
The chief minister further revealed that the state government is in touch with officials from the United States and Canada, who have yet to lift their travel advisories. Sarma expressed hope that these countries would also revise their guidance for Assam.
This move by the EU is expected to boost tourism and economic engagement between Assam and European nations. The exclusion of the three AFSPA districts underscores the ongoing security concerns in those areas.
