" Civil Unrest"

Demonstrations can occur spontaneously, and pose risks to travelers' personal safety and disrupt transportation systems and city services. In response to such events, Indian authorities occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. Political rallies and demonstrations in India have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following elections. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid demonstrations and rallies. In addition, religious and inter-caste violence occasionally occurs unpredictably.

Episodes of civil unrest are relatively common in India. Some have resulted from separatist movements, where as others have been caused by clashes between ethnic and religious groups and different castes. Violent separatist conflicts have taken place in the states of Assam, Bihar and West Bengal. Conflicts between ethnic and religious groups have resulted in riots across various states between Hindus and Muslims. In addition, violence against Dalits (formerly called "Untouchables") has been widespread across various states both in rural and urban areas. Increasing linguistic and cultural identities have also led to conflicts against outsiders in Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh.