The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), Mizoram’s ruling party, has urged the Centre to reconsider its decision to reimpose the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in the state, citing concerns over its negative impact on tourism and the ethnic Mizo movement. On December 21, the Centre reintroduced the PAR in Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland, aiming to regulate the movement of foreigners due to growing security concerns linked to an influx from neighboring countries. However, the ZPM strongly opposed the move, highlighting that Mizoram is one of the most peaceful states in the country and is making significant strides in developing its tourism sector.
In a statement, the ZPM expressed concern that the reimposition of the PAR would hinder the state government’s efforts to attract foreign tourists, as visitors would now need to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The party also raised issues regarding the movement of ethnic Mizos, particularly those from Bangladesh and Myanmar, fearing that the restrictions would impact their ability to visit Mizoram. The PAR had been relaxed in 2011 for Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur to boost tourism, exempting all foreign nationals except those from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China from needing a PAP. This relaxation was extended several times, with the latest extension valid until December 2027. The reimposition of the PAR means that foreign visitors will once again require PAP or Restricted Area Permits (RAP) as per the Foreigners Protected Areas Order of 1958.
Mizoram’s Home Secretary, Vanlalmawia, confirmed that the state government is in the process of implementing the PAP system. He added that officials are being trained on the new procedures, including the issuance of permits through an e-portal, though PAP or RAP is not yet being demanded from foreign visitors at entry points such as Lengpui Airport.
