Daily Current Affairs : 21-December-2024

The Indian government has recently reinstated the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in the northeastern states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland due to security concerns. This decision was made after the growing influx of people from neighbouring countries, which raised issues about the region’s security. The PAP system was originally designed to regulate the entry of foreign nationals into sensitive areas of India, and its reinstatement reflects the government’s effort to maintain control over such regions.

What is the Protected Area Permit (PAP)?

The Protected Area Permit (PAP) is an official document that foreign nationals must obtain in order to visit certain areas in India that are considered sensitive from a security standpoint. The Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, empowers the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to declare specific areas as “protected” and require foreign nationals to obtain the permit to visit these regions.

States Under PAP Regime

Several states in India are designated as protected areas, including:

  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Manipur
  • Mizoram
  • Nagaland
  • Sikkim (partly protected)
  • Parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand

These areas are restricted for foreign nationals to ensure national security and preserve local cultures and traditions.

Procedure to Obtain a PAP

To visit these protected areas, foreign nationals must follow a specific procedure to obtain a PAP:

  • Application Submission: Foreign nationals must apply either through Indian Missions abroad or competent local authorities within India.
  • Special Clearance: For certain cases, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) may require additional clearance after recommendations from the respective state government.
  • Group Travel Requirement: The PAP is generally issued for groups of at least two tourists or for individuals with extraordinary reasons.
Key Features of PAP
  • Validity: The PAP is typically valid for group tourists (minimum of two people).
  • Restricted Circuits: Foreign nationals must follow specific travel routes and adhere to designated entry and exit points.
  • Registration: Foreign visitors are required to register with the district Foreigners Registration Officer within 24 hours of arrival.
  • Time-bound: The PAP is time-limited, and overstaying is prohibited.
  • Special Requirements: Citizens from Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan must obtain special clearance from the MHA.
Important Points:
  • Protected Area Permit (PAP): An official document required for foreign nationals to visit sensitive or “protected” areas in India, under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
  • PAP-Designated Areas:
    • Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland
    • Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim (partly protected), and parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.
  • Authority: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is responsible for declaring areas under the PAP regime.
  • Application Process:
    • Foreign nationals must apply through Indian Missions abroad or local authorities in India.
    • Special cases require MHA clearance with state government recommendations.
  • Group Travel: PAP is issued for groups (minimum of 2 people) or individuals with special reasons.
  • Key Features of PAP:
    • Restricted to specific circuits, routes, and entry/exit points.
    • Foreign nationals must register with the district Foreigners Registration Officer within 24 hours of arrival.
    • Time-bound validity; overstaying is prohibited.
  • Special Requirements:
    • Citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan need prior clearance from the MHA.
  • Reason for Reinstatement: The PAP regime was reinstated due to security concerns caused by the influx of people from neighbouring countries.
Why In News

The Indian government has reinstated the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland due to security concerns stemming from the influx of people from neighbouring countries. This move aims to better regulate the movement of foreign nationals in these sensitive areas and ensure the safety and stability of the region.

MCQs about Reinstating the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in Northeastern India
  1. What is the main purpose of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in India?
    A. To promote tourism in the northeastern states
    B. To regulate the entry of foreign nationals into sensitive regions
    C. To provide financial support to local governments
    D. To protect the natural resources of India
    Correct Answer: B. To regulate the entry of foreign nationals into sensitive regions
    Explanation: The PAP is designed to regulate foreign nationals’ entry into areas deemed sensitive for security reasons, ensuring the safety and control of movement in these regions.
  2. Which of the following states are included under the PAP regime?
    A. Delhi, Goa, Kerala
    B. Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland
    C. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab
    D. Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar
    Correct Answer: B. Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland
    Explanation: The Indian government has reinstated the PAP regime specifically in the northeastern states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland due to security concerns.
  3. Which of the following countries’ citizens need special clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to obtain a PAP?
    A. United States, Canada, and Australia
    B. Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan
    C. France, Germany, and Japan
    D. Russia, Brazil, and South Africa
    Correct Answer: B. Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan
    Explanation: Citizens from Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan require special clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) before being granted a PAP, due to security concerns related to these countries.

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