Washington. Violence has spread after a military operation on Sunday killed Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, leader of Mexico’s notorious drug lord and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In view of the worsening situation, India, America and Canada have issued advisories to their citizens and advised them to stay in safe places i.e. ‘shelter-in-place’.
CNN, CBS and Fox News reports quoted US officials as saying that the violence had led to the cancellation of domestic and international flights in major cities such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Taxi and ride-share services were also closed in Puerto Vallarta. Many businesses have temporarily halted work.
The United States has specifically asked its citizens and government employees in the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon to remain vigilant, stay away from crowds, avoid non-essential travel and follow the instructions of local authorities.
The advisory issued by the Indian Embassy states that Indian citizens should stay away from places where law enforcement agencies are carrying out their work. Be aware of your surroundings, take shelter in a safe place and avoid unnecessary going out. “Security operations are currently underway and road blockades and criminal activities associated with them are being reported,” the advisory said.
Indian nationals residing in Jalisco State (Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara regions), Tamaulipas State (Reynosa and other municipalities), Michoacán State, Guerrero State and Nuevo Leon State should remain in place until further orders. The advisory told people to stay informed from local media, follow instructions from local officials and call 911 in an emergency. Avoid crowds and keep your family and friends informed about your condition through phone, message or social media.
For assistance, the Indian Embassy can be contacted on 52 55 4847 7539. According to official data, the estimated number of Indian community in Mexico by the end of 2023 is between 8,000 to 10,650. The 2020 census identified 1,825 legal Indian immigrants, although the total number fluctuates due to increases in tourism, trade and transit migration.
In fact, the Mexican Army had surrounded 59-year-old El Mencho during a major operation in the Tapalpa area of Jalisco state on Sunday. During this encounter, four cartel members were killed on the spot. El Mencho was seriously injured and later died on the way to the hospital. Three Mexican soldiers were also injured in this operation. America was looking for El Mencho for a long time. America had announced a reward of 15 million dollars (about Rs 125 crore) for information about his arrest.
Canada said it is monitoring the situation closely. Canada advised its citizens living in Mexico to ‘keep a low profile and follow the advice of local authorities.’ Meanwhile, US carriers United, American, Southwest and Alaska, as well as Canadian airlines Air Canada and WestJet/Sunwing announced flight cancellations to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo.
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