NEWS – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in the states of Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram on December 17, 2024. This decision requires foreigners to obtain prior permission and Protected Area Permits (PAP) for visiting these states. The relaxation of the restrictions, which had been in place since 2010, has been withdrawn due to growing security concerns in these border regions.

WHAT IS THE PROTECTED AREA REGIME (PAR)?

The Protected Area Regime (PAR) is a framework that restricts the entry and movement of foreigners in specific areas of India, especially in border states, unless they have prior approval from the government.

The Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958

• The Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, stipulates that no foreigner can enter or stay in a protected area unless they have a permit issued by the central government or an authorized office.
• The order includes specific details such as the place of entry, residence, and duration of stay.
• Certain states and regions are designated as protected areas, including Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and other parts of India’s border regions.

WHAT DID THE FOREIGNERS (PROTECTED AREAS) ORDER, 1958 STIPULATE?

The Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, mandates that:

• Foreigners require a permit issued by the Central Government to enter protected areas.
• This permit includes essential details, including the place of entry, stay, and duration.
• Several regions, including Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and parts of Sikkim, were declared Protected Areas under this order.

DID THE ETHNIC VIOLENCE IN MANIPUR LEAD TO IMPOSING RESTRICTIONS ON MOVEMENT AND MOBILITY?

Yes, the ethnic violence in Manipur played a significant role in the reimposition of the restrictions:

• Ethnic Violence: Since May 3, 2023, Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence between the tribal Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
• Security Concerns: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has attributed the ongoing unrest to the involvement of “outsiders and foreign hands.” This has prompted the government to tighten security and monitor the movement of foreigners.
• Influence of Myanmar: The military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 led to a significant influx of undocumented refugees from Myanmar, many of whom belong to ethnic groups that share ties with the communities in Mizoram and Manipur. This has further raised security concerns along the India-Myanmar border.

WHEN WAS THE ORDER FIRST RELAXED?

• Initial Relaxation (2010): The PAR was first relaxed on December 30, 2010, for the whole of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, following an improved security scenario and to boost tourism.
• Extensions: The relaxation was initially for one year but was later extended multiple times:
  • For 1-2 years in 2012.
  • Further extended until December 31, 2027.

WHY WAS IT WITHDRAWN?

The relaxation was withdrawn due to increasing security concerns in the border areas of the three northeastern states. The MHA highlighted the following reasons:

1. Ethnic Violence in Manipur: Ongoing violence between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
2. Influx of Migrants: Following the military coup in Myanmar, over 40,000 refugees sought refuge in Mizoram and Manipur, increasing security risks.
3. Suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR): The suspension of the FMR, which had allowed free movement of people across the border, also contributed to the need for stricter controls.

HOW DOES ONE OBTAIN A PAP?

Foreigners wishing to visit these states must now obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) through several channels:

• Where to Apply: PAPs can be obtained from Indian missions abroad, the MHA, district magistrates, resident commissioners, Home Commissioners, or Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO).
• Mandatory Registration: All foreigners must register with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival in the state or district they visit.

Special Requirements for Certain Countries

• Foreign nationals from Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, and those with origins in these countries will continue to require prior approval from the MHA.
• Myanmar nationals, who were previously exempt from the PAP requirement, must now also register with the FRRO within 24 hours of arrival.