Context :
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram, requiring foreigners to obtain prior permission through Protected Area Permits (PAP) before entering these states.
Relevance : GS 2 (Governance )
Key Details of the Protected Area Regime
What is the Protected Area Regime?
- It is a regulatory framework under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
- It mandates that foreigners cannot enter or remain in protected areas without a valid permit from the central government or an authorized official.
Areas Under Protection:
- Protected areas include regions between the inner line and the international border in specific states such as Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Sikkim (partly protected and restricted).
Key Requirements of PAP:
- Details of place of entry, place of residence, and period of stay.
- Mandatory registration with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival.
Restricted Areas:
- Certain regions in Sikkim and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are designated as restricted under a separate 1963 order.
Historical Relaxation of PAR
- In 2010, the PAR was relaxed in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland to promote tourism, with extensions granted periodically until 2027.
- The recent reimposition overrides this relaxation, effective December 17, 2023.
Reasons for Reimposition
Security Concerns:
- Ethnic violence in Manipur since May 2023 between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
- Cross-border influx of over 40,000 refugees from Myanmar after the 2021 military coup.
Border Challenges:
- India’s 1,643 km border with Myanmar makes the region vulnerable to cross-border movement and security threats.
- The Free Movement Regime (FMR), which permitted movement within 16 km of the border, was suspended in January 2023.
Accusations of External Influence:
- Manipur’s Chief Minister cited “outsiders and foreign hands” as exacerbating the violence.
Implications of PAR Reimposition
- Enhanced Monitoring:
- Foreign nationals, including Myanmar citizens, must now compulsorily register and secure permits.
- Restricted Movement:
- Stricter control over foreign visitors ensures better tracking and reduces security risks in the border regions.
- Tourism and Trade Impact:
- Potential dampening of tourism initiatives that were boosted during the relaxation phase.
How to Obtain a PAP?
- Authorized Agencies:
- Indian missions, MHA, district magistrates, resident commissioners, Home Commissioners, and Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO).
- Special Conditions:
- Nationals of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan, and individuals of these origins, require prior MHA approval.
- Myanmar nationals now need PAPs irrespective of their visa type.
