Nagaland Assembly Unanimously Seeks Withdrawal of Protected Area Permit Regime
Nagaland assembly unanimously passes resolution urging Centre to withdraw Protected Area Permit regime, citing harm to tourism and investment.
The Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution urging the central government to withdraw the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime from the state. The motion, moved by Deputy Chief Minister (Home) Yanthungo Patton, was passed by voice vote.
The PAP regime, which regulates the entry of foreign nationals into notified areas, had been relaxed in Nagaland in 2011 but was reimposed on December 17, 2024. Legislators argued that the restrictions are hampering tourism, investment, international engagement, and economic opportunities in the state.
Moving the resolution, Patton said Nagaland has emerged as a peaceful destination for tourism, culture, investment, and entrepreneurship, which have become vital sources of employment and livelihood, especially for the youth. The resolution specifically cited the Hornbill Festival, the 'Land of Festivals' initiative, and other tourism and cultural programmes that help project Nagaland's and India's cultural diversity internationally while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
The assembly contended that the return of the PAP has complicated these efforts, creating difficulties for international tourism, business, investment, cultural exchanges, and overseas partnerships. However, the state sought to distinguish between opening up and compromising security, assuring the Centre that foreign nationals could continue to be registered, regulated, and monitored through technology-based and institutional mechanisms in coordination with central agencies.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who joined the debate along with Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, Industries and Commerce Advisor Hekani Jakhalu, and MLA Naiba Konyak, argued that Nagaland's present situation warrants a different approach. The legislators maintained that the state is peaceful and its circumstances differ from those of some other northeastern states where the PAP has been imposed.
Rio linked the demand directly to the state's economic aspirations, saying Nagaland wants to attract tourism, investment, and opportunities for its young people while remaining committed to national security. "Security and development can go together," Rio said.
The resolution also argued that regulations which have "outlived their developmental relevance" should not become barriers to employment, economic activity, and Nagaland's participation in the wider national and global economy.