New Delhi: The Home Ministry on Monday lodged a protest with the Ministry of External Affairs over the visit of eight envoys of the European Union to 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 northeastern state, the Home Ministry asked the MEA 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 Assembly, leaders of political parties, representatives of several NGOs and businessmen yesterday. The envoys also visited Nagaland University and met the Governor on Monday.
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 country’s interests.
Besides, sources said, several vested interests were trying to “internationalise” the vexed Naga issue and they may try to exploit the diplomats’ visit to highlight it in Europe.
Interestingly, the team apparently described the visit as a familiarisation trip and to explore for investment opportunities 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 MEA to issue ‘note verbale’ to the envoys seeking clarifications on their meetings with other than the state govt functionaries. Anyone visiting the three northeastern states — Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram — is required to take Interline Permit while citizens of China, Pakistan and Myanmar have to apply for Restricted Area Permit (RAP). (PTI)