The Embassy of India in Mexico on Monday issued an advisory to Indian nationals residing in the country, urging them to exercise caution and shelter in place amid escalating violence following the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on Sunday.
In a post on X, the Embassy said Indian nationals in Jalisco state — particularly in Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara — as well as in Tamaulipas state, including Reynosa and other municipalities, and certain areas of Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon, should remain indoors until further notice.
“Dear all Indian nationals in Mexico: There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity. Indian nationals in Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State and Nuevo Leon State should shelter in place until further notice,” the post read.
The Embassy also issued safety instructions: “Avoid areas around law enforcement activity. Be aware of your surroundings. Seek shelter and minimise unnecessary movement outside. Monitor local media for updates. Follow the directions of local authorities and, in case of emergency, call 911. Avoid crowds. Keep family and friends informed of your location and well-being via phone, text and social media.”
The advisory follows the killing of one of the most wanted leaders of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, during a military-led operation on Sunday.
A former police officer, El Mencho led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) as it became one of the “most powerful and ruthless criminal organisations” in Mexico, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, CNN reported.
Security forces from multiple federal branches carried out the operation in Tapalpa, in the western state of Jalisco.
CJNG members reportedly exchanged fire with government forces, resulting in four gang members being killed at the scene, Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defence said.
Oseguera and two others were seriously injured and died while being transported by aircraft to Mexico City, according to the secretariat.
Three Mexican military personnel were also injured in the operation and were transferred to a hospital in Mexico City for treatment.
The military action triggered a series of violent incidents across Jalisco — which is scheduled to host four matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June — before unrest spread to other states, including Michoacan and Guanajuato.
Suspected members of organised crime groups set buses on fire, blocked roads and clashed with authorities, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro said.
During the operation, Lemus urged residents to remain indoors and announced that public transportation services in Jalisco would be suspended “until the situation is under control.”
He added that the violence had spread to at least five states and urged the public to avoid highway travel.
Oseguera was wanted by US authorities, who had offered a reward of up to USD 15 million for information leading to his arrest, CNN reported.
In 2022, the US Justice Department charged El Mencho with leading efforts to manufacture and distribute fentanyl for import into the United States.
A Justice Department indictment states that his organisation operates in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Colima and Veracruz, with a presence in other regions as well. (ANI)
