Centre urged to review enforcement of Protected Area Permit in Nagaland—CM Rio

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said the state government has asked the Centre to review the enforcement of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in Nagaland and exempt the state from the requirement in line with a resolution adopted by the cabinet.

Responding to a starred question on PAP and border fencing raised by MLA Achumbemo Kikon in the Assembly, Rio said the cabinet had passed a resolution on January 6, 2025, and written to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) urging that Nagaland be exempted from PAP. He cautioned that the restrictions would discourage both domestic and international tourists, particularly during events like the Hornbill Festival, when visitors come to experience the state’s culture across districts.

Kikon had questioned why the Government of India continued to cite law and order concerns as a reason for restricting tourists in Nagaland, calling the move “an evil treatment” and alleging that it was strangling the state’s revenue.

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On the Free Movement Regime (FMR), Kikon asked why villagers are required to obtain permits to cross traditional borders.

Rio responded that while the law and order situation in Nagaland is under control, restrictions have been tightened due to the Manipur crisis and insurgent groups operating across the border. He said the FMR limit had been reduced from 16 km to 10 km, with passes issued jointly by the Assam Rifles and state agencies.

Rio added that in the history of Nagaland, no refugees from Myanmar have entered the state unlike in Mizoram, though some individuals may be living with their relatives or tribes. He said the Centre had acknowledged the state’s letter but insisted that foreign tourists must register at entry points.

While expressing hope that the Centre would reconsider, he also noted that the presence of Naga political groups outside ceasefire agreements continued to cause difficulties along the border.

“We have to understand that everything is not well and we also cannot outrightly go on agitating, but we should do our part and the Government of India should consider what the cabinet has resolved and written to them,” he said.

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MLA P Longon said the Assam Rifles are currently handling all cases of biometric registration and permits under the FMR without state government involvement. In response, Rio said guidelines provide for state representatives to be part of the process and assured that the matter would be looked into so state agencies could assist, though permits would still be signed by the Assam Rifles.

No active fencing along Nagaland’s Indo-Myanmar border

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of Home and Border Affairs Y Patton informed the House that the MHA had re-imposed PAP in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland with effect from December 17, 2024. He said the Centre had not conveyed any conditions for lifting PAP.

Patton maintained that the state government opposes physical fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border due to genuine concerns over demographic and cultural realities. He said this stand has been communicated to the MHA on several occasions and confirmed that no active fencing work is being carried out along the 215 km stretch of Nagaland’s border with Myanmar.

He said the state cabinet has taken a decision not to implement fencing along Nagaland’s border with Myanmar, and assured that “the state will not be affected, but it will be protected.”