Sikkim stops inner line permit in wake of coronavirus
The notification also bans issuing permits to Nathula border by Tourism and Civil Aviation Department with immediate effect
A general view of the landslide-hit area of Chungthang is pictured in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim September 24, 2012. Floods and landslides caused by relentless rain in northeast India have killed at least 33 people and displaced more than a million over the past week, officials said on Monday. Picture taken September 24, 2012. Reuters/Stringer
The northeast Indian state of Sikkim has decided not to issue any inner line permits to any foreign national including nationals of Bhutan starting from today.
The decision came in wake of the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19.
A letter sent to the secretary of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department from Sikkim Home Department confirmed the matter.
According to the notification, "In view of the rapid spread of coronavirus, no inner line permits are to be issued from today onwards' to all foreign nationals, including Nationals of Bhutan."
The notification also bans issuing permits to Nathula border by Tourism and Civil Aviation Department with immediate effect.
