Dimapur: Dimapur police on Tuesday said foreign nationals continue to visit Nagaland without obtaining the mandatory Protected Area Permit (PAP), violating existing regulations.
In a statement, Dimapur commissioner of police and foreigners registration officer Aotula T Imchen said this is happening despite issuance of advisories and wide publicity through various media platforms.
The police reiterated that the relaxation granted in Protected Area regime notified under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, has been withdrawn from Nagaland by the ministry of home affairs vide Circular No. 602 dated 17/12/2024 in the backdrop of growing security concerns in the border areas of the state.
It was stated that all foreigners who want to visit Nagaland will have to mandatorily obtain Protected Area Permit (PAP) from the authorities to whom powers have been delegated.
The ministry of home affairs, all Indian missions abroad, FRROs, Nagaland home commissioner, resident commissioner, Government of Nagaland, New Delhi, secretary (tourism), Government of Nagaland, Kohima have been delegated to issue the PAP.
“Citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries would continue to require prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs before their visit to the state,” the statement said.
It said prior approval of the MHA is necessary for the grant of PAP to a citizen of Myanmar to visit Nagaland.
The statement also said all foreigners visiting the state will be required to register themselves with the foreigners registration officer (FRO) of the state/district they visit within 24 hours of their arrival.
Further, with a view to facilitating the travel of bonafide foreigners and to avoid delays in granting the PAP, all applications are to be processed on the e-FRRO portal http://indianfnro.gov.on/frro.
The public, organisations, government departments, travel agents, tour operators, hotels, guest houses, home stays, paying guest facilities, and any other entities facilitating the visit or stay of foreign nationals in Nagaland have been instructed to strictly ensure compliance with the PAP requirement.
The statement added they must verify that foreign nationals are in possession of valid PAP before facilitating travel arrangements or providing accommodation within the state.