Aizawl: Delays in issuing Protected Area Permits (PAPs) to foreign nationals have led to a rise in unauthorised entries into Mizoram, a police official said.Foreigners are required to obtain PAPs to visit sensitive border states in the Northeast, including Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland. Although the Protected Area Regime (PAR) had been relaxed for 14 years until 2027, the Centre reimposed it from December 17, 2024, citing security concerns. Foreign nationals must now secure prior permission through PAPs issued online by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).Officials said processing delays have prompted many foreigners to seek entry into Mizoram before their permits are issued.A 53-year-old Slovak national was recently apprehended at Laki village in Siaha district along the Myanmar border. He had arrived in Aizawl and was travelling south to enter Myanmar for a festival. He was deported on Friday via Lengpui Airport.In a separate case, a 41-year-old Russian national, Igor Babko, entered Rajiv Nagar village in Mamit district from Tripura without a PAP. He was detained by BSF personnel and handed over to local police.Six Ukrainians and one American, arrested by the NIA, entered Mizoram by road from Assam via Vairengte. They were travelling in a vehicle driven by a local resident who reportedly told authorities he was not carrying non-tribals requiring Inner Line Permits (ILPs). At present, PAP checks are conducted only at Lengpui Airport and not at other entry points such as the Sairang railway station or interstate road borders.
