CM Rio calls for PAP review in Nagaland ahead of Hornbill

Writes to MHA for urgent consideration

Kohima, November 18 (MExN): With the premier Hornbill Festival beginning on December 1, Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio has said that the imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in the state “may not be warranted” and has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking urgent consideration of the matter.

As per the State DIPR, in a letter, CM Rio noted that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) re-imposed the PAP regime for Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland from December 17, 2024, purportedly on account of growing security concerns in the border areas. Since 2010, the three states had been excluded from the PAP regime under certain conditions.

While acknowledging security concerns in Manipur and the reported influx of Myanmar refugees into Mizoram, he noted that Nagaland’s situation is vastly different, and the state has enjoyed one of its most peaceful periods since statehood, with no significant security issues.

CM Rio further highlighted that border areas in Nagaland remain calm due to the homogeneous ethnicity and close familial ties across the India-Myanmar border, with no reports of refugee influx. Accordingly, he held that the re-imposition of the PAP regime in Nagaland “may not be warranted.”

In the letter, the CM noted that just a week after the PAP was re-imposed, he had raised the issue at the NEC plenary session in Agartala on December 21, 2024, expressing concern that the move in one of the country’s most peaceful states could affect tourist inflow, which had reached a record during the 25th Hornbill Festival.

He highlighted that the State Cabinet, after deliberations on January 6 and March 27, 2025, had written to the MHA requesting a review of the PAP decision and restoration of earlier relaxations. Similar requests were made by CM Rio on July 18 and September 10, where he noted that Nagaland’s emergence as a global tourism destination, driven by the "Land of Festivals" policy, has boosted foreign tourist arrivals, generated employment for youth, and enhanced the state’s and nation’s image. The PAP regime could undermine these gains, he held.

Further, he highlighted that the state has long suffered from limited private sector participation and minimal outside investment, and tourism has only recently emerged as a key livelihood sector, becoming a significant driver of economic revival after decades of conflict. The current PAP regime, CM Rio stated, could severely impact this sector by reducing foreign tourist inflow.

The letter also noted that Naga artists and cultural ambassadors regularly represent India at prominent international events, showcasing the country’s vibrant cultural identity. A relaxed PAP regime, by facilitating more international cultural exchanges, would further strengthen global ties and highlight India’s rich cultural heritage, he added.

Meanwhile, CM Rio stated that the matter has gained urgency with the approach of the festive season and the Hornbill Festival 2025, which has attained global recognition, attracting large numbers of domestic and international visitors. The festival, commencing on December 1, is just weeks away, and the current PAP regime could deter many foreign tourists, potentially undermining efforts to position Nagaland as a global tourism destination, he added.

He also noted that the state government has been approached by many organisations, including stakeholders from the tourism and education sectors, as well as various civil society groups, urging it to take up the matter with the Government of India and advocate for relaxation of the PAP regime.

In this connection, the Chief Minister appealed for an urgent review of the PAP regime in Nagaland and the introduction of new and relaxed guidelines for the state. He assured that the state government, on its part, will continue maintaining systems with stringent SOPs and screening protocols to ensure that tourism growth does not compromise national security in any manner.