DIMAPUR — The Union Ministry of Home Affairs
has reimposed the Protected Area Regime or Protected Area Permit (PAP) in the
states of Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, the PTI news agency reported on
Thursday.
The report, citing a statement issued by the Manipur
government, stated that the PAR was imposed in view of security concerns
arising out of an influx from neighbouring countries.
A foreign national is not normally allowed to visit a
protected/restricted area “unless it is established to the satisfaction of the
government that there are extraordinary reasons to justify such a visit.”
The entire states of Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram fall
under the ‘protected area.’
According to a report published by The Hindu, on December 17,
the Ministry wrote to the Chief Secretaries of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland
regarding the changed norms for the PAR under the Foreigners (Protected Areas)
Order, 1958.
The letter reportedly said the relaxation provided to
Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland under the PAR had been “withdrawn with immediate
effect,” and henceforth, the entire areas of these states would again fall
under the PAR.
The relaxation was given earlier to promote tourism.
