Centre Imposes Protected Area Permit In Manipur, Mizoram And Nagaland Amid Security Concerns

NEW DELHI: The Centre has reinstated the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland following heightened security concerns over cross-border influx, the Government of Manipur said on Wednesday.

The re-imposition of PAP will make the check on foreigners entering these states more rigorous, and they will be made to take permits as is required under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.

PAP, which was withdrawn in January 2011 to facilitate tourism in the Northeast, is now being reimposed for security reasons. Foreign visitors need to fulfill certain conditions to obtain the permit, which is usually for 10 days and can be extended.

The Manipur Government also addressed claims from a self-proclaimed organization known as the Kuki-Zo Council. Investigations revealed that there was no such organization registered in the state and that its origins are allegedly external.

Police have opened a probe into the case and are going to file an FIR to unearth motives of the organization, whom the government suspects are trying to spread miscommunication and unrest. Authorities have been asking citizens to depend upon credible sources and avoid engagements with such unverified ones.

The government reiterated its interest in maintaining peace and harmony while warning against actions that would lead to the destabilization of the state. It further called on media houses to avoid the publicizing of statements from unauthorized groups. Communal harmony and trust will continue to be the priorities of the government as investigations progress.

ALSO READ: Nagaland Sees Highest Urban Growth in India, CM Rio Inaugurates Renovated Dimapur Town Hall

ALSO WATCH: