Mizoram's ZPM urges Centre to review reimposition of Protected Area Regime

Mizoram's ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) has urged the Centre to review its decision to reimpose the Protected Area Regime (PAR), citing concerns that it would hinder foreign tourists from visiting the northeastern state.

The Centre had, on December 21, reimposed the PAR in Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland aiming to regulate the movement of foreigners amid growing security concerns arising out of influx from neighbouring countries.

A statement issued by the ZPM said that "it took strong exception to the reimposition of the PAR in Mizoram, one of the most peaceful state in the country, which is moving towards development in the tourism sector."

It urged the Centre to review its decision citing that the reinstatement of the PAR will obstruct the state government's effort to attract tourists because foreigners will now have to obtain Protected Area Permit (PAP) from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to visit the state.

The ZPM also opposed the reimposition of PAR because it will restrict and hinder the movement of many ethnic Mizos living in foreign countries particularly Bangladesh and Myanmar into Mizoram, the statement said.

The Centre had reimposed the PAR in Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland to regulate the movement of foreigners amid growing security concerns arising out of influx from neighbouring countries.

In 2011 the Centre had relaxed the PAR from Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram to boost tourism and exempted all foreigners except Afghanistani, Pakistani and Chinese from the PAP.

This relaxation was later extended for five years at a time, with the latest order issued in December 2022 and valid until December 2027.

From now on, foreigners intending to visit the three states must seek prior permission and obtain PAP or Restricted Area Permits (RAP) as mandated by the Foreigners Protected Areas Order, 1958.

Mizoram Home Secretary Vanlalmawia on Friday said that the state government is in the process of implementing the PAP.

He had said that they are yet to demand PAP or RAP from foreigners visiting the state at the state's lone airport in Lengpui and other entry points of the state.

He had also said that training is being conducted for officials of the Foreigner Registration Office in Aizawl on the matter, including issuance of permits through e-portal.