Centre reimposes Protected Area Regime in 3 Northeastern states, including Manipur

PAP was scrapped from Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland in January 2011 by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to boost tourists in the Northeastern states. A foreign national is required PAP to visit certain areas of India mainly the Northeast after meeting certain requirements. The permit normally has a duration of 10 days which can be extended. The Union Home Ministry and authorities of the states concerned can issue the Protected Area Permits.

Against this backdrop, the Manipur Government also said it would address certain claims made by an organisation that recently identified itself as the Kuki-Zo Council. The state government said it was found that no such organisation exists in Manipur after an investigation. The origin and authenticity of this group are highly questionable, it said.

“There is no district by the name Lamka, mentioned as a headquarters in Manipur. This raises strong suspicions regarding the external origins of such organisations that appear to operate outside legal and administrative frameworks,” said the statement.

The statement said the Manipur Police are actively looking into this matter and an FIR will be lodged to ascertain the true nature and intent behind such misleading activities. It urged the people of Manipur to exercise caution and not to pay heed to statements or claims from organisations of dubious origins, which have been surfacing recently with the apparent intention of creating confusion and unrest.

“The Government remained committed to maintaining peace and harmony in the State and advised the citizens to remain vigilant and trust only credible sources of information. Further updates will be shared as investigations progress,” the statement said.

The state also urged the media, both national and local, to refrain from giving publicity to such press releases from unauthorised organisations or individuals. The Centre and its agencies are also appealed to disregard such claims from unverified organisations.

The restoration of peace and harmony amongst the communities is of utmost importance at this juncture more than ever, and the government will not tolerate any action that threatens to disrupt the peace process, it said.