India Home Ministry upset over EU diplomats' visiting Nagaland without intimation

New Delhi, May 14 (PTI) India's Home Ministry today lodged a protest with the Ministry of External Affairs over the visit of eight envoys of the European Union to the northeastern state of Nagaland without any intimation and security clearance and raised concern on the delegation meeting with political leaders and civil society. Upset over the 'unilateral' decision to allow the diplomats to visit the sensitive state, the Home Ministry asked the Ministry of External Affairs to tell it the purpose of the visit and wanted to know why security clearance has not been sought before giving permission for the visit as is the normal practice. Official sources said the delegation, which includes ambassadors of Czech Republic, Hungary, Finland, Poland, Bulgaria and Slovakia, met Nagaland Chief Secretary, Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, leaders of political parties, representatives of several NGOs and businessmen yesterday. The envoys also visited Nagaland University and met State Governor Nikhil Kumar today. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is hosting a dinner for them tonight. Sources said the Home Ministry was particularly upset over the delegation's meeting with leaders of political parties and civil society members as Nagaland being an insurgency-prone state, such representations could lead to sharing of information which are inimical to the country's interests. Interestingly, the team apparently described the visit as a familiarisation trip and to explore for investment opportunities in the state as part of the ongoing efforts on enhancing India-EU cooperation in various fields, particularly in trade and investment. After their return from Nagaland, the Home Ministry may ask the Ministry of External Affairs to issue a 'note verbale' to the envoys seeking clarifications on their meetings with other than the state government functionaries. Anyone visiting the three northeast Indian states of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram are required to take Inner Line Permit (ILP) while citizens of China, Pakistan and Myanmar have to apply for Restricted Area Permit (RAP). ILP is granted by the state government while the RAP is accorded by the state government with due clearance from India's Home Ministry. PTI