ITANAGAR, Mar 28: Welcoming the decision of the Union Home Ministry for relaxation of Restricted Area Permit (RAR) and Protected Area Permit (PAP) for smooth flow of tourists in the landlocked state, the Arunachal Pradesh Tour Operators’ Association (APTOA) has demanded immediate opening of tourist circuit in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts.
Demanding that PAP and RAP be routed through the local registered tour operators only, the APTOA said that the RAP should be continued through the state Home department.
However, it said, foreign nationals having visas for research, business, study, social or academic purposes may be allowed for issue of PAP and RAP through the Tourism department only for tourism purpose.
The centre should also empower tourism officers (not below the rank of assistant director) to issue PAP for tourism purpose, the Association said, adding that any single foreign tourist should be allowed in every approved tourist circuit with extension of their validity from 30 days to 60 days.
