In a bid to enhance tourism and economic growth, the Nagaland government has announced plans to request the Centre to remove the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in the state. The decision to urge the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to revoke the PAP was made during a state Cabinet meeting on January 6, 2025, held at the Chief Minister’s residential complex. Nagaland Environment Minister, C.L. John, confirmed the development in a statement to PTI, highlighting the Cabinet’s deliberation over the PAP system. The minister noted that the state had successfully hosted the Hornbill Festival from December 1 to 10, 2024, with more than 2,000 foreign tourists attending the event. The Cabinet recognized the peaceful celebration and the influx of international visitors, leading to the decision to appeal to the Centre to lift the PAP requirement for Nagaland.
The Hornbill Festival, held at the Naga heritage village in Kisama, attracted a total of 2,05,968 visitors, including 2,527 foreigners. The festival’s success underscored the growing potential for tourism in Nagaland, further motivating the government to push for a change in the PAP policy. The PAP regime, which has been in place for foreigners since the 1960s due to security concerns in the region, was initially lifted in December 2021. This allowed foreigners to visit Nagaland and other northeastern states without the need for special permits. However, after three years of revocation, the Ministry of Home Affairs reimposed the PAP regime in Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram in December 2024.
With the renewed push to revoke the PAP system, the Nagaland government aims to create a more welcoming environment for tourists and foster greater economic opportunities in the state. The appeal to the Centre comes as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism and improve its global accessibility.
