Rio urges Centre to review Protected Area Permit regime in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has sought urgent intervention from the Union Home Minister to reconsider the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Nagaland, warning that the decision could undermine the state’s growing tourism sector and stall economic gains made in recent years.

In a letter to Amit Shah, Rio noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs reinstated the PAP regime for Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland from December 17, 2024, citing security concerns in border areas. He pointed out that since 2010, these states had been exempted from PAP requirements under certain conditions.

He acknowledged the situation in Manipur and the influx of Myanmar refugees into Mizoram, but said Nagaland’s circumstances are “vastly different”.

According to him, the state has been experiencing one of its most peaceful periods since statehood, with no noticeable security concerns. In addition, the India-Myanmar border areas of the state of Nagaland remain fully peaceful, owing to the homogeneous ethnicity and close familial and social ties of the people living on both sides of the border, with no reports of ingress, Rio stated.

Given these factors, he maintained that the re-imposition of PAP in Nagaland “may not be warranted”.

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Rio recalled raising the matter publicly during the North Eastern Council plenary session in Agartala on December 21, 2024, cautioning that the renewed PAP restrictions could affect tourist arrivals.

He also said the state Cabinet discussed the issue on January 6 and March 27 and wrote to the MHA on January 22 seeking reconsideration.

Subsequent letters on July 18 and September 10 reiterated the request with suggestions that any relaxation could include conditions deemed appropriate by the Centre.

He highlighted that Nagaland had emerged as a growing global tourism destination under the “Land of Festivals” tourism policy, which helped increase foreign tourist arrivals, generated local employment, and improved the state’s image nationally and internationally. The return of the PAP regime, he said, “has the potential to negatively impact these gains”.

Tourism, he added, has become one of the state’s strongest livelihood sectors after decades of conflict and limited private investment. A decline in foreign visitors would directly affect entrepreneurs, youth, and allied service providers, he said, noting that the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival had just recorded its highest visitor turnout.

He also pointed out that Naga artists and cultural groups regularly represent India internationally, and a relaxed PAP regime would encourage international cultural exchanges.

Rio said the matter has become more pressing as the Hornbill Festival 2025 is approaching, beginning on December 1. Concerns have been raised that the current PAP implementation may deter foreign visitors who would otherwise attend.

He added that several organisations, including stakeholders from the tourism and education sectors as well as civil society groups, have urged the government to pursue the matter with the Centre.

Reiterating the request for an immediate review, Rio assured the Union Home Minister that Nagaland would maintain strict screening protocols and standard operating procedures to ensure tourism growth does not compromise national security. A calibrated relaxation of the PAP regime for Nagaland, he maintained, would protect both national interests while safeguarding the state’s emerging economic opportunities.