States in northeastern India have stopped issuing Inner Line Permits, the critical document needed by visitors to enter the region. The move (which includes e-ILPs) was made to contain the spread of Covid 19, or novel coronavirus, in these areas.
Manipur, which began implementing the ILP since January this year, joined Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, to ban the entry of tourists following the virus scare. Media reports quoting the Manipur Home Department said that agencies issuing ILP have been asked to stop the process, except in special cases. The ban will stay in place till April 15, 2020. The state had earlier sealed its international borders with Myanmar.
Mizoram too has suspended the issue of ILPs (since March 14). The state has closed the Vairengte check gate along the Assam-Mizoram border and also sealed its international borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Starting March 18, Nagaland has barred the entry of all domestic and foreign tourists to the state until further orders, according to media reports. Issue of ILPs for tourism and other categories have been suspended.
Arunachal Pradesh too has suspended the issue of ILPs and e-ILP to domestic tourists from March 18 until further notice. The state had earlier suspended issuing of restricted area permits (necessary for foreigners to visit the state).