Warden Message

U.S. Consulate General
Kolkata, India
June 11, 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 indefinite bandh ("strike") called by the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJM) group in support of its demand for a separate Gorkha state. GJM leaders have specifically requested that all tourists leave the area as soon as possible. Americans living or traveling in these areas can expect road blockades, disruptions to public transport, and interruptions in municipal services such as water and trash collection. 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.

The Consulate General strongly recommends that all American citizens in India register their presence and check for the latest security information on the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. 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. U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s latest Country Specific Information for India and the Worldwide Caution, both available at http://travel.state.gov. 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).

-- 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 +91-22-2367-7026. 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 +91-44-2857-4443. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.