Protected Area Regime’ Reimposed in Northeast States

Why in the news?

The Manipur government announced the reimposition of the Protected Area Regime in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland due to security concerns over illegal immigration from Myanmar.

Protected Area Regime' Reimposed in Northeast States

Reimposition of the ‘Protected Area Regime’ (PAR)

  • On December 19, 2024, the Manipur government announced the reimposition of the ‘Protected Area Regime’ (PAR) in the states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, which share borders with Myanmar.
  • The decision brings back the restrictions after a 13-year hiatus, citing security concerns over the influx of people from neighbouring countries, especially Myanmar.
  • The reimposition was based on a communication from the Union Home Ministry (MHA) to the Chief Secretaries of these states, effectively withdrawing previous relaxations.

Controversy Over the Decision

  • The move has sparked controversy, with senior officials in Mizoram and Nagaland claiming they have not received any directive from the Union Home Ministry regarding the reimposition.
  • There was no official statement from the Centre at the time of the announcement, leaving the validity of the decision unclear.
  • The reintroduction of the regime comes amidst the ongoing conflict in Manipur, where the government has raised concerns about illegal immigration from Myanmar, particularly from the Chin ethnic community, which shares ties with the Kuki-Zomi group in Manipur.

Concerns and Reactions

  • A former chief secretary of Manipur criticized the decision, arguing that the PAR would not address the core issue of illegal border crossings.
  • The reimposition could also impact tourism in these states, which have recently been promoting their cultural festivals, such as Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival, which attracted 2.05 lakh visitors, including 2,527 foreign tourists.

About Protected Area Regime (PAR):

  • Protected Area Regime (PAR): A set of regulations under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
  • Purpose: Regulates foreign visitors to strategically important or vulnerable regions in India.
  • PAP Requirement: Foreigners must obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit sensitive areas.
  • Regions: Includes Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Uttara1–1khand.
  • Relaxations/Reimpositions: Temporary relaxations for tourism, reimposed for security reasons.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times