Description

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Context:

The Manipur government has held alleged illegal immigration from Myanmar as one of the prime factors responsible for the ongoing conflict in the state.

What is a Protected Area Permit (PAP)?

PAP is a special permit required by foreign nationals to visit certain areas in India that are considered sensitive due to their proximity to international borders. These areas fall between the "internal line" and the international boundary as defined in the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order 1958.

Covered area:

Before 2010: Applies to all regions of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
2010 Relaxation: The regime was relaxed for Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, allowing foreigners to visit these areas without special permits.
2024 Reintroduction: The regime was reintroduced in these states, mainly due to security concerns related to illegal immigration and border management.

The primary objectives of the PAP are:

National Security: Regulate the entry of foreigners into sensitive areas near international borders.
Protecting local communities: To protect indigenous peoples and their unique cultural heritage.
Environmental protection: minimize ecological disruption in unstable areas.

Applicable laws and regulations

Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958 - defines areas as protected and prescribes the requirement to obtain a PAP.
Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Regulations, 1963 – specify restricted areas (such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and parts of Sikkim) that require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP).

Mandate:

Mandate: Foreign nationals must apply for a Protected Area Permit (PAP) through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) or state authorities to enter these areas.
Implementation: PAPs specify the length of stay and movement routes. Unauthorized extension or deviation from the routes is prohibited. The scheme is administered under the Aliens (Protected Areas) Regulations 1958.
Exemptions: Some countries may have exemptions and Indian citizens generally do not need a PAP to travel in these areas.

Key Features:

Eligibility	Foreigners, except Bhutanese citizens, require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter and stay in these regions.
Visits Allowed	Permitted for group tourists (minimum of two people).
	Limited to specified hiking circuits/routes mentioned in the permit.
Validity and Compliance	Valid only for the specified area, route, and time period.
	Permit holders cannot stay beyond the permit's validity.
	Photocopies of the permit must be submitted at entry and exit points.
Limitations	Citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan (including those of Pakistani origin) need prior approval from the MHA.
	Diplomats and civil servants require special instructions from the Ministry of Foreign 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

The Union Home Ministry has restored the Permit Scheme for Protected Areas (PAP) in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland due to growing security concerns due to influx from neighboring countries.

Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order 1958, foreign nationals visiting these states must obtain a PAP for entry.

Once the PAP is reintroduced, the movement of foreigners in Manipur will be closely monitored strengthening border security and preventing unauthorized entry.

Historical context:

The PAP regime was lifted from Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland in January 2011 to promote tourism.

However, the current security situation required its re-introduction. The permit usually allows foreign nationals to stay for 10 days with the option of extension and may be issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs or the concerned state authorities.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/manipur-protected-area-regime-9735481/

PRACTICE QUESTION

The Protected Area Regime (PAR) has been reimposed in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram, impacting tourism, security and the rights of local communities. Discuss the rationale behind this reimposition and critically examine its implications for regional development and national security. (250 words)