Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur is looking to dump Protected Area Permit requirements for foreign tourists of Indian origin. Kheda Varta Singh, the state Tourism Commissioner, confirmed the push at the International Tourism Mart 2026 in Tawang. He wants the Union Tourism Ministry and the Ministry of Home Affairs to clear specific, non-sensitive valley sites for easier access. Security in the valley has improved since the 2023 ethnic violence.
Singh claims stability is returning. He told officials, "70-80 per cent of the important and iconic tourist sites in Manipur are in the valley, where the situation has almost returned to normal." While violence persists in remote northern hill districts, the valley has seen no trouble for six months. The state plans to vet this proposal with local leaders before hitting up New Delhi for final approval.
Officials hope to bypass current red tape by empowering local staff to issue permits to low-risk travelers. The valley covers roughly 2,000 square kilometres and holds major landmarks like Loktak Lake, the 122-foot polo statue, the 1891 war memorial, and the Japanese War Memorial. These spots remain off-limits to many due to ongoing travel advisories and border proximity to Myanmar.
Tourist numbers are hurting. Figures show a slide from 1.6 lakh visitors in 2022-23 to just 30,000 in 2025-26. Foreign visitor counts hit 5,400 during the better year. Recent activity offers a glimmer of hope. A Korean group visited in October, and a Japanese delegation arrives in November. Better days may come in 2028 when rail connectivity finally reaches Imphal.
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