Why is it in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Gunji near Kalapani, Uttarakhand has triggered an uproar in Nepal.

About Gunji Village:

• Gunji Village, situated in the Dharchula tehsil of Pithoragarh district in northern Uttarakhand, holds a strategic location near the borders of Tibet and Nepal.
• Nestled at an altitude of 3500 meters, it marks the confluence of the Kuthi Yankti and Kalapani Rivers at the eastern end of the Kuthi Valley, offering stunning views of Mount Api in Nepal.
• Covering a geographical area of 188.9 hectares, Gunji is a seasonal abode for its inhabitants.
• During winters, the residents, totalling 335 people in 194 households as per the 2011 census, migrate to lower altitudes, primarily to Dharchula within the same district.
• The village is under the administration of a Sarpanch, the elected head.
• Renowned for its connection to the traditional Indian/Nepalese route to Kailas–Manasarovar, Gunji attracts visitors seeking its breathtaking vistas.
• To embark on a journey to Gunji, obtaining an Inner Line permit is a prerequisite.

What is an Inner line permit (ILP)?

• An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel document issued by the Government of India, facilitating the inward travel of Indian citizens into a protected area for a limited duration.
• It is mandatory for Indian citizens residing outside these specific states to secure a permit before entering the designated state.
• This document serves as a regulatory measure by the government to manage and monitor the movement of individuals into areas located in proximity to India's international borders.
• The concept originates from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations of 1873, designed to safeguard the Crown's interests in trades such as tea, oil, and elephants by restricting the entry of "British subjects" into these designated "Protected Areas.
•  In 1950, the term "British subjects" was replaced by "Citizen of India."
• ILPs come in various types, including those for tourists and others intended for individuals planning extended stays, often for employment purposes.