Kohima, September 4: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday, September 3, unanimously passed a Government Resolution urging the Government of India to urgently review and withdraw, or appropriately relax, the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Nagaland.
Concluding the discussion, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio said the State’s improved security situation no longer warranted continuation of the PAP regime in its existing form, stressing that the restrictions were affecting tourism, investment, international partnerships and opportunities for the youth.
Rio highlighted the growth of the Hornbill Festival, with footfall rising from over 28,000 in 2010 to more than 2.14 lakh in 2025. He also pointed to Nagaland’s low crime rates and proposed a technology-driven system for registering and monitoring foreign visitors while maintaining national security safeguards.
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton moved the resolution, which was supported by members including Minister Temjen Imna Along and MLA Hekani Jakhalu. Jakhalu said the PAP could reinforce negative perceptions about Nagaland and discourage investors, warning that the State’s youth should not “miss the bus” of India’s growth story.
The Assembly assured the Centre of its cooperation in maintaining national security and monitoring foreign nationals, while appealing for regulatory arrangements that facilitate tourism, investment, cultural exchange, employment and greater participation of Nagaland in the national and global economy.
