Why has the MHA reimposed restrictions in three NE States?

What’s in the news?

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in the States of Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram to restrict and monitor the movement of foreigners.
From now on, foreigners visiting the three States would have to seek prior permission and Protected Area Permits (PAP) from the government.
The circular stated that the relaxation provided to the three States under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958 was being withdrawn with immediate effect.

What does the 1958 Order entail?

The Order stated that no foreigner shall enter into or remain in any protected area except under and in accordance with a permit issued by the Central government or any office authorised by the Central government.
The permit shall include the following details — place of entry, place of residence and period of stay.
The areas falling between the inner line and the international Border of the following States and Union Territories were declared as Protected Areas — parts of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand and the whole of Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim (partly as protected areas and partly as restricted areas).
Another Order in 1963 declared the entire Andaman & Nicobar Islands and parts of Sikkim as “restricted area.”

When was the Order first relaxed?

The PAR was relaxed for the whole of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland on December 30, 2010 in wake of an improved security scenario, and to promote tourism.
The relaxation was initially for a period of one year. It was subsequently extended for a duration of 1-2 years till 2022 when it was further relaxed for another five years till December 31, 2027.
On December 17, the relaxation was withdrawn for the States.

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