Aussies warned against travelling to troubled South Asia state

Australians have been issued with a fresh warning about travelling to this location.

Ethnic violence has broken out in the Indian state of Manipur. Picture: AFP

Australians have been issued with a fresh warning about travelling to a part of India where violence is escalating and order is breaking down.

Smart Traveller, the government’s travel advisory body, has recommended travellers “reconsider” their need to visit Manipur, a northeastern Indian border state plagued by ethnic clashes since May.

“Curfews and restrictions continue in parts of Manipur following violent demonstrations, resulting in casualties,” the warning reads.

“Security agencies have increased their presence in the region.

“Mobile internet services remain suspended and transport services have been disrupted.

“Further restrictions may be imposed at short notice. If you‘re in Manipur, avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities, take official warnings seriously and monitor local media for updates.”

Smoke billows from an abandoned house set on fire in the violence-hit state of Manipur. Picture: AFP

The August 14 update means India’s northeastern states of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur are now listed with the third-highest travel warning, which advises Australians to reconsider their need to travel there.

The government has a “do not travel” warning in place for the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the India-Pakistan border and advises travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” overall for India.

The government has also updated its travel advice for the US, asking travellers to reconsider any immediate plans to travel to Maui following the outbreak of wildfires.

“Visitors with plans to stay in West Maui in the coming weeks and months are urged by the Hawaii Tourism Authority to consider rescheduling their travel plans for a later time when the overall situation has improved,” the update reads.

“Travel to the other Hawaiian Islands, including Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island, isn‘t affected at this time.”