Kohima: The Nagaland government has announced its decision to request the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to exempt the state from the purview of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime.
This decision was taken during a state Cabinet meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residential complex on January 6.
Nagaland Environment Minister C L John shared that the Cabinet’s decision was influenced by the state’s peaceful celebration of the Hornbill Festival in December 2024, which saw a significant influx of foreign tourists.
“The council of ministers observed that the state peacefully celebrated the Hornbill Festival from December 1 to 10 last year, with more than 2,000 foreigners attending the event. The cabinet decided to appeal to the Centre to revoke the PAP system in Nagaland,” he stated.
During the festival, the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, located about 12 kilometers south of the state capital, recorded a total of 2,05,968 visitors, including 2,527 foreigners. This overwhelming participation underscored the state’s potential to attract global tourists and the need to simplify access for international travelers.
The PAP, originally introduced in the 1960s as a security measure due to the sensitive geopolitical nature of the northeastern region, mandates that foreigners obtain special permits to visit certain areas, including parts of Nagaland.
In December 2021, the MHA temporarily lifted the PAP regime for Nagaland and other northeastern states, facilitating easier access for international visitors.
However, in December 2024, the MHA reinstated the PAP requirement for Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, citing security considerations.
The Nagaland government’s appeal aims to foster tourism and economic growth by removing barriers for foreign visitors. Minister C L John emphasized the positive impact of lifting the PAP regime during its earlier revocation period, which allowed for greater foreign tourist engagement and economic opportunities.
The state now awaits the Centre’s response to its request, with hopes of creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for international tourists while maintaining the region’s security and cultural integrity.
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