Manipur Government Proposes Easing Travel Restrictions for Foreign Tourists
Efforts to Boost Tourism in Manipur
File image of Violence in Manipur's IT Road, Kangpokpi, leaving one injured (Photo: AT)
Imphal, Oct 31: The government of Manipur is advocating for relaxed Protected Area Permit (PAP) regulations for foreign tourists of Indian descent to enhance tourism in the northeastern region. A senior official has proposed that certain non-sensitive tourist destinations in the valley be exempt from the permit requirement, especially as the security situation has shown signs of improvement.
According to Manipur Tourism Commissioner N Kheda Varta Singh, the security landscape in the valley has significantly improved since the ethnic violence erupted in 2023, with 70-80% of the state's key tourist attractions situated in this area.
Singh noted, “Currently, security issues are primarily confined to the hill regions in the northern part of the state,” during an exclusive interview at the International Tourism Mart 2026.
He mentioned that there have been no violent incidents in the last six months, and tourists are beginning to return. However, he recognized that violence has not entirely ceased, with reports mainly coming from remote locations.
The proposal will first be discussed with the state's top officials before being presented to the central government.
“We aim to submit this request to the Ministry of Tourism, which will then need to be addressed with the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Singh explained.
Given Manipur's sensitive position along the Myanmar border, he suggested that arrangements could be made for individuals of Indian origin traveling with their families, provided there are no security issues.
“If visitors to Manipur specify the areas they plan to explore, those could potentially be exempt from the PAP if deemed non-sensitive,” he added.
Singh also advocated for a more streamlined clearance process, which would empower local authorities or the tourism department to issue permits to verified low-risk applicants. The PAP is currently required for foreign tourists entering protected areas in Manipur.
Despite the tourism department's optimistic assessment, security concerns persist in the state.
Recently, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) issued a travel advisory urging Kuki-Zo residents of Sadar Hills and nearby Kuki-inhabited regions to avoid traveling beyond their areas until further notice.
CoTU cited a volatile security situation and ongoing threats to civilian safety, advising residents to steer clear of routes where their safety could not be assured, even for essential travel.
“This advisory is a precautionary measure due to serious security concerns affecting our community. It is not intended to incite panic or provoke any group but aims to prevent potential loss of innocent lives,” the organization stated.
This advisory will remain effective until further notice, as per a statement from CoTU's Department of Information and Publicity.
During his presentation titled 'Manipur — The Land of Jewels,' Singh showcased attractions in the approximately 2,000-sq-km valley region, including Loktak Lake, a 122-foot statue celebrating Manipur's polo heritage, a memorial honoring resistance against British forces in 1891, and the Japanese War Memorial.
To support his claims of improving conditions, Singh referenced a recent visit by a Korean delegation from October 19 to 24, who stayed for nearly a week without any incidents. A Japanese delegation is also scheduled to visit from November 1 to 7.
He highlighted Mera Houchongba, an October festival that fosters unity and peace among hill and valley communities.
According to Singh, Manipur welcomed around 1.6 lakh tourists in 2022-23, including approximately 5,400 foreign visitors. However, this number dropped to about 30,000 in 2025-26. Singh expressed optimism that tourist arrivals would increase in the coming years, especially with railway connectivity reaching Imphal by 2028.