Permit rule to be relaxed in NE

Aizawl, Oct 20 (UNI) In a bid to explore the tourism potential of NE region, the Ministry of Tourism and Development has decided to go all out to scrap the restricted area permit (RAP) and the inner line permit (ILP) to attract tourists.

Just a day after Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthangs's decision not to relax ILP in the state, Union Tourism and Culture Ministry forwarded the view that RAP and ILP would be relaxed soon as well as to revive tea tourism.

Besides, the Ministry was trying to introduce visa-on-arrival and advance in-flight information, including inter-state helicopter facilities.

Tourism officials here said Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni desired to extend helicopter facilities in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal and North East to provide confortable and sustainable communication network for the tourists.

Meanwhile, Mr Zoramthang had ruled out the possibility of scrapping Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state with the view that if the permit rule was relaxed for the outsiders, Mizoram will be flooded with population and such move will be suicidal.

UNI BB-SNR SJC AKP1100