THE CONTEXT: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) on December 17, 2024, in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram. This decision marks a significant shift in India’s border management and security policy in the Northeast region. The reimposition requires foreigners to obtain Protected Area Permits (PAP) before visiting these states, reversing the relaxation that had been in place since 2010.
FOREIGNERS (PROTECTED AREAS) ORDER, 1958: The Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, is a crucial legislative instrument in India’s border management and national security framework. Issued under the Foreigners Act, 1946, this order establishes the Protected Area Regime (PAR) to regulate foreign nationals’ movement in strategically sensitive regions.
KEY PROVISIONS:
-
- Restricted Access: The order prohibits foreign nationals from entering or remaining in designated protected areas without explicit permission from the Central Government or authorized officials.
- Protected Area Permit (PAP): Foreigners must obtain a PAP to visit protected areas. The permit specifies entry point, place of residence, and duration of stay.
- Delegated Authorities: Various entities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Indian Missions abroad, and specific state government officials, are empowered to issue PAPs.
- Registration Requirement: All foreigners must register with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival in protected areas.
- Special Considerations: Citizens of Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, and foreign nationals of Pakistani origin require prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
AREAS COVERED UNDER THE ORDER:
-
- Northeastern States: Entire territories of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and parts of Sikkim.
- Border States: Parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.
- Strategic Locations: Areas falling between the ‘Inner Line’ and the International Border of these states.
- Restricted Areas: Andaman & Nicobar Islands and parts of Sikkim are designated as Restricted Areas under a separate 1963 order.
RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN NATIONALS:
-
- Entry Prohibition: Foreign nationals are barred from entering protected areas without proper authorization.
- Limited Tourism: Only group tourists (minimum two persons) are allowed, restricted to specific circuits and routes.
- Validity Constraints: PAPs are valid only for specified areas, routes, and durations.
- Documentation: Permit holders must deposit photocopies at entry and exit points.
- Purpose Limitation: Visits are generally restricted to tourism, with other purposes requiring special permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Nationality-based Restrictions: Enhanced scrutiny for nationals of certain countries, particularly Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan.
KEY ASPECTS OF THE REIMPOSITION:
-
- Security concerns: The decision was prompted by growing security challenges in border areas, particularly the influx from neighboring countries.
- Geopolitical context: The move reflects India’s response to regional instability, especially following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar.
- Ethnic tensions: The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities since May 2023 has been a significant factor.
- Migration management: The influx of over 40,000 refugees from Myanmar into Mizoram and Manipur has raised security concerns.
RELATED CONCEPTS AND POLICIES:
-
- Inner Line Permit (ILP): Required for Indian citizens from other states to enter these protected areas.
- Free Movement Regime (FMR): Suspended in January 2024, previously allowed movement within 16 km of the India-Myanmar border.
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Applicable to areas like Andaman & Nicobar Islands and parts of Sikkim.
THE IMPLICATIONS:
-
- Economic Repercussions: The tourism sector, a key contributor to local economies, may face setbacks. A study in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park showed that each rupee spent by tourists generated 1.78 rupees in local household income3. Similar multiplier effects in Northeast India could be diminished.
- Cultural Exchange Limitations: Reduced international visitors may limit cultural exchanges and global exposure for these regions, potentially affecting their soft power and international image.
- Geopolitical Considerations: The move reflects India’s response to regional instability, particularly following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar and subsequent refugee influx.
- Diplomatic Relations: Stricter regulations may affect India’s ‘Act East’ policy and relations with neighboring countries, potentially impacting cross-border initiatives and people-to-people contacts.
- Human Rights Concerns: The restrictions may raise questions about the impact on refugee movements and humanitarian assistance, particularly given the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
THE WAY FORWARD:
-
- Integrated Border Management System: Implement an advanced Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) along the India-Myanmar border, incorporating smart fencing and surveillance technologies. Biometric identification systems and enhanced coordination between border security forces and local law enforcement. The successful implementation of IBMS along the India-Bangladesh border, which has reduced illegal crossings by over 90% since 2018, can serve as a model.
- Sustainable Tourism Development: Develop a Northeast-specific Sustainable Tourism Policy that balances security concerns with economic development. Promote community-based ecotourism initiatives and implement a digital permit system for streamlined PAP issuance. Establish tourism circuits that showcase the region’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage. Sikkim’s successful ecotourism model, which has increased tourist inflow by 92% between 2010-2019 while preserving its ecological balance, can be adapted for other Northeastern states.
- Cross-Border Economic Zones: Establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs) along the border areas to promote legal trade and economic cooperation. Create job opportunities for local communities and facilitate controlled cross-border movement for economic activities. The Thailand-Myanmar border economic zones can serve as a reference model.
- Community-Centric Conservation Efforts: Scale up successful Joint Forest Management (JFM) programs. Implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006 more effectively in the region. Promote traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation. The Nagaland Community Conserved Areas model, which covers over 1,700 sq km of forest area, demonstrates the effectiveness of community-led conservation efforts.
- Skill Development and Alternative Livelihoods: Focus on sectors like sustainable agriculture, handicrafts, and eco-tourism. Provide financial and technical support for local entrepreneurship. Collaborate with private sector for job creation in the region. The Northeast Rural Livelihood Project, which has benefited over 300,000 households, can be expanded and tailored to address the specific needs of border communities.
THE CONCLUSION:
By implementing an integrated strategy combining advanced border management technologies, community-led conservation efforts, and targeted economic initiatives, India can transform its Northeastern frontier into a model of secure, inclusive growth—potentially reducing cross-border tensions by 30% and boosting local economies by 25% within a decade, as projected by the NITI Aayog’s Vision for the Northeastern Region 2035.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 The north-eastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region. 2017
Q.2 Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. 2019
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 The reimposition of the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in India’s Northeastern states highlights the delicate balance between national security and regional development. Critically examine.
SOURCE:
Spread the Word