Nagaland Administration Again Requests Central Government to Reassess the Indo-Myanmar Border Movement Policy & PAP
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Synopsis
On January 22, the Nagaland government reiterated its appeal to the Centre for a reassessment of the cross-border movement policy along the India-Myanmar border and the Protected Area Permit (PAP) re-implementation, emphasizing the state's unique ethnic and historical context.
Key Takeaways
- Nagaland government urges review of cross-border movement.
- Minister K. G. Kenye highlights ethnic uniqueness.
- New border pass scheme replaces previous FMR.
- Call for PAP exemption to boost tourism.
- Successful Hornbill Festival attracts thousands.
Kohima, Jan 22 (NationPress) The government of Nagaland has once again called on the Centre to reconsider its stance regarding the cross-border movement regulations along the India-Myanmar border and the reinstatement of the Protected Area Permit (PAP).
Nagaland’s Power, Parliamentary Affairs Minister and government spokesperson K. G. Kenye addressed the media, stating that given the state’s ethnic dynamics, traditions, and customary frameworks, the Government of India should maintain the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and reinstate the PAP.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently implemented a new system allowing border residents of both India and Myanmar who live within 10 km on either side of the border to regulate their cross-border activities.
This new framework will replace the previously suspended FMR, which permitted individuals residing near the border to enter 16 km into each other's territory without needing a passport or visa. Four northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km), and Mizoram (510 km)—share a total of 1,643 km of unfenced border with Myanmar.
Kenye voiced the state government’s disapproval of the new cross-border movement regulations.
“We acknowledge the Centre’s security concerns, but Nagaland’s ethnic context is distinctive and necessitates a different approach,” he remarked, adding that the state has yet to receive any formal feedback from the Centre regarding its prior appeal for a review of both the FMR and PAP.
Highlighting Nagaland's unique historical and political landscape, the Minister emphasized that the state’s requests should be evaluated by the Government of India considering its rich history, traditions, and diverse populace.
Various tribal communities residing on either side of the India-Myanmar borders, along with the governments of Nagaland and Mizoram, have been advocating for the continuation of the previous FMR system.
During a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on January 6, the state urged the MHA to exclude Nagaland from the PAP regulations to enhance tourism and facilitate visits from foreign tourists.
Foreign visitors intending to explore specific northeastern states, including Nagaland, must obtain the PAP, also known as the Restricted Area Permit, from the MHA.
The PAP has been in place for foreigners since the 1960s as a part of security measures, considering the northeastern region's strategic importance and geopolitical challenges. The travel restrictions were briefly relaxed in 2010-11 to foster tourism.
However, the relaxation was revoked by the MHA last year due to political instability in Bangladesh, internal unrest in Myanmar, and ethnic conflicts in Manipur. In addition to Nagaland, several other northeastern states are currently under the PAP.
In the January 6 cabinet meeting, ministers reflected on the successful completion of the renowned 10-day 'Hornbill Festival' from December 1, which saw attendance from approximately 2,530 foreign tourists.
The 25th edition of the annual Hornbill Festival, held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, located 12 km from the state capital Kohima, welcomed a total of 205,968 visitors over the 10-day span (December 1-10, 2024).
An official from the Nagaland Tourism Department stated that last month’s festival attracted a varied audience, including 2,527 foreign tourists, 56,217 domestic visitors, and 147,224 local participants.
