Entry of foreigners banned in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland

Why in the news?

The Union Home Ministry has reinstated the 'Protected Area Permit' system in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram in view of security concerns arising due to people coming from neighboring countries.
- The government has taken this step after reports of foreign interference in Manipur.

Under this, foreigners coming to the three northeastern states will have to take prior permission and special permit from the government.
- This exemption has been withdrawn after a gap of 14 years.
The Protected Area Arrangement (PAR) was relaxed for one year in 2010 in the three states bordering Myanmar.
- It was later extended the duration of the order by five years.
- The latest PAR order was issued on December 16, 2022 and was valid till December 2027.
- This exemption was earlier given to promote tourism.
As per the guidelines of the ministry, a foreigner is not encouraged to visit protected areas unless there are exceptional reasons to justify the visit.
They must obtain the necessary Protected Area Permit (PAP) in accordance with the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order 1958.

Manipur has been affected by ethnic violence between the tribal Kuki and Meitei communities since 3 May 2023.
More than 250 people have been killed and more than 60,000 people have been displaced from their homes in the ongoing violence.

It is a major regulatory framework created under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
This law regulates the movement of foreigners in sensitive border areas of India.
Its objective is to maintain national security and protect the culture and traditions of the tribes living in these areas.
All areas falling between the Inner Line of a state and the international border of the state are defined as protected areas.
- Foreign nationals can enter these areas only with a Protected Area Permit.
All areas falling between the Inner Line and areas occupied by indigenous tribes are called restricted areas.
- Entry into these areas is prohibited without prior permission (Restricted Area Permit).

Entire Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim (partly included in Protected Areas and partly in Restricted Areas)
Some parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.

It is a special type of permit that allows foreigners to enter protected areas of India.
This permit is issued under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
Without this, no foreigner can enter these areas.
Through this, the government ensures that no unwanted activity takes place in these areas.
It is an attempt to protect the culture and traditions of that area from external influences.

Permits may be withdrawn for the purpose of using protected areas for infrastructure development, mining, or other development activities.
In some cases, the permit system may be withdrawn to ease access to protected areas to promote tourism.
The permit system may also be withdrawn on the demand of local communities, especially if it is affecting their lives or livelihoods.
The permit system may also be withdrawn due to administrative reforms or policy changes.
Protected area regime may be reinstated in some areas due to security concerns such as infiltration from neighbouring countries.