Reimposition of the Protected Area Regime (PAR)
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Source: The article on Reimposition of the Protected Area Regime (PAR)  is based on Why has the MHA reimposed restrictions in three NE States? published in The Hindu on 24th December 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic- GS 2-Polity  

Context: The article discusses the recent decision by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India to reimpose the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in the northeastern States of Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram. This move requires foreigners visiting these States to obtain prior permission and Protected Area Permits (PAP), reversing a previous relaxation of these restrictions.

Why has the MHA reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in three Northeastern States?

  1. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram on December 17, 2023.
  2. This decision restricts and monitors the movement of foreigners in these states. Foreign visitors must now obtain prior permission and Protected Area Permits (PAP) from the government.
  3. The relaxation previously granted to these states under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, was withdrawn due to growing security concerns.

What is the Protected Area Regime and the 1958 Order?

  1. Protected Area Regime (PAR): A system restricting foreign nationals from entering certain areas near international borders without permission.
  2. Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958:
    1. Prohibited entry or stay of foreigners in protected areas without a permit issued by the Central Government or its authorized offices.
    2. Permits specified details like entry point, place of residence, and duration of stay.
    3. Areas covered included regions between the inner line and the international border in states such as Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim (partly protected/restricted), and all of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (restricted).

When and why was the 1958 Order relaxed?

  1. Relaxation Period: The PAR was initially relaxed on December 30, 2010, for Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland due to improved security conditions and to promote tourism.
  2. Extensions:
    1. Relaxation was extended periodically (1-2 years at a time) until 2022.
    2. In 2022, the relaxation was extended further until December 31, 2027.
  3. Withdrawal in 2023: The MHA withdrew the relaxation due to heightened security concerns in border areas.

What prompted the withdrawal of the relaxation?

  1. Security Concerns:
    1. Ethnic Violence in Manipur: Ongoing clashes between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities since May 3, 2023. The Chief Minister attributed the violence to “outsiders and foreign hands.”
    2. Myanmar Refugees: Over 40,000 undocumented migrants entered Mizoram and about 4,000 into Manipur after the 2021 military coup in Myanmar.
    3. Ethnic Ties: Migrants, primarily from the Kuki-Chin-Zo ethnic group, share ethnic links with Mizoram and Manipur communities.
  2. Border Issues:
    1. India shares a 1,643 km border with Myanmar through Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
    2. The Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allowed movement within 16 km of the border, was suspended in January 2023.

How can foreigners obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP)?

  1. Permitting Authorities: Indian Missions abroad, MHA, District Magistrates, Resident Commissioners of States, Home Commissioners and Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO).
  2. Special Conditions:
    1. Citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan (and foreign nationals of these origins) need prior MHA approval.
    2. Foreign visitors must register with the FRRO or Foreigners Registration Officer within 24 hours of arrival.
    3. Myanmar nationals, previously exempt from PAP requirements if holding valid visas, are now required to register with FRRO within 24 hours.

What are the implications of the reimposition?

  1. The reimposition of the Protected Area Regime aims to bolster national security in light of increased threats in the border areas.
  2. This includes monitoring the influx of undocumented migrants and addressing concerns over ethnic violence, ensuring tighter control over the movement of foreigners in the region.

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