Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio called on the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah along with Dy CM Y Patton on September 11 to request his intervention and support in fast-tracking Nagaland’s developmental aspirations. (Photo Courtesy: X/HMO)
Writes to Shah seeking immediate withdrawal of PAP regime from Nagaland
Kohima, September 11 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the Government of India (GoI) to urgently review and withdraw the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in the state, as unanimously adopted during the recently concluded Nagaland Legislative Assembly session.
In his letter, Dr Rio conveyed the “collective sentiments and aspirations” of the people of Nagaland for the immediate withdrawal of the PAP regime, stating that the Assembly had deliberated extensively on the matter and unanimously adopted a resolution appealing to the Centre to restore the relaxation that had earlier been in operation. “The Resolution reflects the united position of the elected representatives of the people, cutting across all sections of the House,” he wrote.
The CM said the issue has generated widespread concern amongst civil society organisations, tribal bodies, tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs, the business community and particularly the youth of Nagaland. “There is today an overwhelming and collective sentiment that the continuation of the PAP regime is adversely affecting the State's developmental aspirations and its efforts towards greater economic integration and engagement with the rest of the country and the world,” he said.
Dr Rio noted that the State Government has taken up the matter with the Centre on several occasions, and the State Cabinet has also resolved against the reimposition of the PAP regime. “We have consistently conveyed our willingness to put in place appropriate mechanisms, including technology-enabled systems, for the registration, regulation and monitoring of foreign visitors in close coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other concerned agencies,” he stated.
Citing Nagaland as “amongst the most peaceful States in the country,” he said the ceasefire and ongoing peace process have brought immense dividends of peace, stability and tranquillity over the years. “A new generation has grown up with aspirations centred around education, entrepreneurship, tourism, sports, the creative economy, innovation and meaningful engagement with the wider world. It is important that our regulatory environment evolves in accordance with these positive transformations,” he wrote.
Economic Impact
Highlighting the economic impact, the CM said tourism has emerged as an increasingly important pillar of Nagaland’s economy and a significant source of livelihood and employment, especially for the youth. “Our tourism ecosystem sustains thousands of entrepreneurs, homestays, transport operators, artisans, musicians, artists, performers, farmers, food entrepreneurs and other service-sector stakeholders,” he said.
He pointed out that the Hornbill Festival, which has grown into one of the most recognised flagship tourism events associated with the Incredible India campaign, is “today not merely a festival of Nagaland but a celebration of India's cultural diversity.” The festival attracts visitors from across India and around the world, with several countries participating as Partner Countries. “Unfortunately, the PAP regime has begun to directly undermine these achievements,” he said.
Referring to the limited relaxation granted in 2025, the CM said despite repeated requests from the State Government and representations from various sections of Naga society, relaxation was eventually granted only for the period coinciding with the Hornbill Festival. “While we appreciated the intervention of the Government of India, such a limited relaxation had little practical benefit for international tourism. Foreign visitors plan their journeys, purchase tickets, arrange accommodation and finalise itineraries weeks and months in advance. A relaxation announced only around the period of the Festival cannot provide the certainty required for international travel planning and consequently defeats much of its intended purpose,” the CM wrote.
“It has complicated our efforts to organise international festivals, investment meetings, cultural exchanges, sporting events and other programmes involving overseas participation,” he added.
He argued that at a time when States are being encouraged to compete for investments, build international partnerships, promote tourism and contribute to India's global outreach, such restrictions place Nagaland at a distinct disadvantage. “A regulation conceived in a very different historical and security environment should not become an impediment to the developmental aspirations of a peaceful State,” he said.
He noted that GoI has itself demonstrated its confidence in the improving security environment of the North-East through the progressive reduction and withdrawal of extraordinary measures, including the substantial reduction in areas covered under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. “These positive developments have been welcomed by our people and have contributed towards strengthening confidence, peace and normalcy,” he said.
“In this context, the continued application of the PAP regime in Nagaland is increasingly difficult for our people to understand. Its continuation risks creating avoidable frustration and a sense of alienation, particularly amongst our youth, who aspire to participate fully in the opportunities emerging from India's growth and its increasing engagement with the world,” Dr Rio wrote.
The CM earnestly requested Shah’s intervention and the favourable consideration of the GoI for the immediate and complete withdrawal of the PAP regime from Nagaland. “The Government of Nagaland remains fully committed to working closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs and all concerned agencies to establish any appropriate registration, monitoring and security mechanisms that may be considered necessary, while ensuring that legitimate national-security considerations are fully safeguarded,” he added.
