Guwahati: Amid growing security concerns arising from the influx from neighbouring countries, the Centre has re-imposed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
With the reimposition of PAP, the movement of foreigners visiting the states will be closely monitored, and they are required to obtain the necessary Protected Area Permits (PAP) in accordance with the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
Notably, PAP was scrapped from Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland in January 2011 by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to boost tourists in the Northeastern states.
A foreign national is required PAP to visit certain areas of India mainly the Northeast after meeting certain requirements. The permit normally has a duration of 10 days which can be extended.
The Union Home Ministry and authorities of the states concerned can issue the Protected Area Permits.
The Manipur Government also said it would address certain claims made by an organisation that recently identified itself as the Kuki-Zo Council. The state government said it was found that no such organisation exists in Manipur after an investigation. The origin and authenticity of this group are highly questionable, it said.
“There is no district by the name Lamka, mentioned as a headquarters in Manipur. This raises strong suspicions regarding the external origins of such organisations that appear to operate outside legal and administrative frameworks,” said the statement.
The Manipur Police has ordered a probe into the case and an FIR will be lodged to ascertain the true nature and intent behind such misleading activities.
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It urged the people of Manipur to exercise caution and not to pay heed to statements or claims from organizations of dubious origins, which have been surfacing recently with the apparent intention of creating confusion and unrest.
