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Reimposition of Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Northeast India
Context:
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently reimposed restrictions under the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram. This decision comes against the backdrop of rising ethnic violence, border security concerns, and the influx of refugees from Myanmar.
About the MHA Orders:
Key Developments:
- 2010 Relaxation: PAR restrictions were relaxed for Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram to promote tourism and reflect an improved security environment. These relaxations, initially for one year, were extended periodically until December 31, 2027.
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- Conditions for Exemption:
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- Citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan required prior MHA approval.
- Myanmar nationals visiting beyond 16 km of the Indo-Myanmar border needed MHA approval.
- Foreigners were required to register with FROs within 24 hours of arrival.
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- 2023 Withdrawal: The relaxation was abruptly ended on December 17, 2024, citing renewed security threats.
About PAR and Areas Covered
- Definition: The Protected Area Regime (PAR) restricts foreigners from entering designated areas in India without prior government permission. It is governed by the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
- Purpose:
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- Monitor foreign movement in sensitive regions near international borders.
- Ensure national security in vulnerable areas.
- Areas Covered: PAR applies to regions between the Inner Line and the International Border in the following states and union territories:
- Protected Areas:
- Entire States:
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- Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh
- Sikkim (partially)
- Parts of States:
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- Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand
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Restricted Areas:
- Entire Andaman & Nicobar Islands (since 1963)
- Parts of Sikkim
Key Rules for Foreigners under PAR:
- General Rules:
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- Permit Requirement: Foreigners need a PAP, except Bhutanese nationals.
- Mandatory Registration: Foreigners must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or local authorities within 24 hours of arrival.
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- Additional Restrictions:
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- Citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan, or individuals of Pakistani origin, need prior MHA approval.
- Myanmar nationals must register, even if visiting with an e-tourist visa.
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- Exceptions:
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- Diplomats and UN Officials: Special instructions are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Reasons Why PAR Been Reimposed:
- Ethnic Violence in Manipur:
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- Ongoing clashes since May 2023 between the Kuki-Zo tribal groups and the Meitei community.
- Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has linked the unrest to “outsiders and foreign hands.”
- Myanmar Refugee Influx:
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- Following Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, over 44,000 undocumented migrants (primarily Kuki-Chin-Zo ethnic group) sought refuge in Manipur and Mizoram.
- Border Security Concerns:
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- India shares a 1,643 km border with Myanmar, passing through Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
- The Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allowed border residents to cross freely within 16 km, was suspended in January 2024.
