NEW DELHI, May 16 (DNA): Nagaland and some other northeastern states may again be put under the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime, thanks to the recent row between the ministry of external affairs and the ministry of home affairs over the ongoing visit of European ambassadors to the state without securing security clearance.
The MHA’s concerns emanate from the fact that the European delegation, reportedly on a familiarisation trip to explore investment opportunities in Nagaland, besides meeting political parties also had detailed talks with organisations like Naga Hoho council, Eastern Naga Public Organisation, Naga Mother’s Association and Naga Student’s Federation.
Some of these organisations are considered close to the philosophy of Naga insurgent groups.
Though the MHA has conveyed its concerns to the MEA , there is a growing feeling within the security establishment that such mistakes cannot be avoided and re-imposition of the PAP regime is the only answer to save the sensitive geo-political region from blunders.
To promote tourism, the PAP regime under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958 was relaxed for the first time in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoramwith effect from Jan 1, 2011 on yearly review basis.
It was relaxed again this January.
Relaxation in PAP norms allows foreigners to visit Nagaland and other N-E states, barring Arunachal and Sikkim, without the mandatory permission of the MHA.