The European Union has lifted its negative travel advisory for Assam, with the exception of three districts currently under the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, or AFSPA. This development was announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday. According to Sarma, EU Ambassador to India Herve Delphin informed the Assam chief secretary that the restriction was lifted as of Friday.
The three districts still under the negative travel advisory are Charaideo, Tinsukia, and Sivasagar. The lifting of the advisory applies to all 27 EU member-states and allows their citizens to travel to Assam without restriction, except in the aforementioned districts. The state government is now pursuing the matter with the USA and Canada, which have yet to lift their travel restrictions for Assam.
Australia and Japan had previously withdrawn similar advisories for their citizens last year. Chief Minister Sarma welcomed the EU’s decision, stating that it is a strong vote of confidence in Assam and will further strengthen tourism, business, and people-to-people ties between the EU and Assam. Sarma expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Delphin for his support in this matter, which follows a recent visit by EU diplomats.
This move is expected to have a positive impact on Assam’s economy and its relations with the EU.
