Why in news?

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has reinstated the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram due to security concerns stemming from the influx of individuals from neighboring countries. The move ensures that foreigners visiting these states must secure the necessary PAP under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.

What’s in today’s article?

• Protected Area Permit (PAP)
• Protected Area Regime reimposed in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram

Protected Area Permit (PAP)

• About
  • PAP is a special permit required by foreign nationals to visit certain areas in India deemed sensitive due to their proximity to international borders.
  • These areas fall between the "Inner Line" and the international borders as defined under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
• Covered Area
  • The PAP regime covers entire or parts of states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.
• Purpose of the Protected Area Permit
  
  • National Security: To regulate the entry of foreigners in sensitive areas near international borders.
  • Preservation of Local Communities: To protect indigenous populations and their unique cultural heritage.
  • Environmental Conservation: To minimize ecological disturbances in fragile regions.
• Relevant Acts and Regulations
• Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958 – Defines areas as protected and prescribes the requirement for obtaining PAP.
• Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963 – Specifies Restricted Areas (such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands and parts of Sikkim) requiring a Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
• Key Features of the PAP Regime
  • Eligibility: Foreigners, except Bhutanese citizens, need a PAP to enter and stay in these regions.
  • Permissible Visits
    • Group tourists (minimum of two persons).
    • Restricted tourist circuits/routes specified in the permit.
  • Validity and Compliance
    • PAP is valid only for the specified area, route, and time.
    • Permit holders cannot stay beyond the permit’s validity.
    • Photocopies of the permit must be deposited at entry and exit points.
  • Restrictions
    • Citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan (and those of Pakistani origin) require prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
    • Diplomats and officials require special instructions from the Ministry of External Affairs.
  • Registration
    • Foreigners must register with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the district within 24 hours of arrival.

Protected Area Regime reimposed in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram

• About the news
  • The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has reinstated the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland due to growing security concerns caused by the influx from neighboring countries.
  • Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, foreign nationals visiting these states must obtain PAP for entry.
  • With the reimposition of the PAP, the movement of foreigners in Manipur will be closely monitored, strengthening border security and preventing unauthorized entries.
• Historical Context
  • The PAP regime was lifted from Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland in January 2011 to promote tourism.
  • However, the current security situation necessitated its reimposition.
  • The permit typically allows foreign nationals to stay for 10 days, with an option for extension, and can be issued by the Union Home Ministry or concerned state authorities.