Bhubaneswar: Members of the Odia community residing in the United States have downplayed the recent Level-2 travel advisory issued by the US State Department for India. This advisory advises citizens to 'exercise increased caution' due to growing concerns regarding crime and terrorism, which they describe as a 'standard protocol' that should not be seen as an indication of a serious threat.

The advisory highlights specific states, including Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Meghalaya, as areas of concern due to Naxal activities and violence against women.

Jayanta Rout, based in Texas, expressed that the Level-2 advisory for India, including Odisha, should be regarded as a routine precaution rather than a reason for alarm. He stated, 'Odisha is a peaceful and culturally rich region, with no immediate threats that would warrant heightened concern. While staying informed is crucial, it’s equally important to maintain perspective and not let generalized warnings incite unnecessary fear.'

Sadyasnata Pattanaik from Chicago shared similar views, noting, 'Level-2 is quite standard and nothing unusual. Countries like France, Belgium, and Italy are also under the same advisory. If you check the official site, you’ll find numerous countries listed at Level 2. For someone unfamiliar with international travel, a complex country like India can understandably seem daunting, making the advisory reasonable in that context.'

Ohio resident Satya Pattanaik remarked that the advisory is unlikely to significantly affect Odisha, stating, 'The region continues to operate normally.' Meanwhile, the advisory has drawn criticism from opposition parties in Odisha, who are using it to question the state's law and order situation. The recent gang rape of a college student at Gopalpur beach has intensified the controversy, with political leaders blaming the state government for failing to ensure public safety.