Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider the reimposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in the state, warning that the move could hurt tourism, cultural exchange and Nagaland’s ongoing economic revival.
In a letter to Shah on Tuesday, Rio said the Ministry of Home Affairs reinstated the PAP regime for Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur from December 17 last year due to security concerns along the Myanmar border.
The three states had been exempt from PAP restrictions since 2010.
Rio argued that Nagaland’s situation is “vastly different” from that of Manipur and Mizoram, which have seen unrest and refugee inflows.
He said Nagaland is currently experiencing “one of the most peaceful periods since statehood”, with no major security threats and no reports of cross-border refugee movement.
This stability, he noted, stems from the shared ethnicity and strong social ties among communities on both sides of the border.
The Chief Minister cautioned that the return of the PAP could derail Nagaland’s rapidly growing tourism industry. He pointed to record foreign footfall during the 25th Hornbill Festival, and recalled voicing his concerns at the North Eastern Council plenary on December 21.
The state cabinet discussed the issue on January 6 and March 27, after which the government formally wrote to the MHA seeking a review.
Rio followed up with letters on July 17 and September 10, reiterating that Nagaland is willing to adopt any safeguards the Centre may prescribe while keeping PAP norms visitor-friendly.
Rio highlighted that tourism has become one of Nagaland’s main drivers of employment and economic growth under the “Land of Festivals” policy, especially given the state’s difficulty attracting private investment.
Any disruption in foreign tourist arrivals, he warned, could undermine years of progress after “decades of conflict”.
He also noted the growing global presence of Naga artists and cultural ambassadors, saying easier access would strengthen India’s cultural diplomacy.
With Hornbill Festival 2025 set to begin on December 1, Rio said the matter has gained urgency as PAP restrictions may deter international visitors.
Several tourism bodies, academic institutions and civil society groups have also pressed the state government to seek relaxation of the norms.
Rio urged the Centre to issue revised guidelines that would ease restrictions for Nagaland while ensuring robust security and screening protocols remain in place.
