Kohima: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously voted on Wednesday to demand the immediate withdrawal of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime. The motion, moved by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton during the 9th session of the 14th Assembly, urges the central government to restore previous travel relaxations. Lawmakers argue the current rules block tourism, private investment, and job growth.
State officials insist they can maintain security through modern tracking technology. They promised full cooperation with central agencies to register foreign visitors. “The House is of the considered view that regulatory arrangements which have outlived their developmental relevance should not become barriers to economic opportunity, employment generation and Nagaland’s fuller participation in the national and global economy,” the resolution stated.
Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio highlighted the state's drastic shift in stability. Between 2004 and 2009, Nagaland saw 257 incidents involving armed groups, 121 civilian deaths, and 6 security force casualties. In the last five years, those numbers plummeted to just 8 incidents, 4 civilian deaths, and 1 security casualty. The state's 2024 crime rate sits at 61.6 per lakh, far below the national average of 418.8. Crimes against women are also the lowest in India at 5.1 per lakh.
Dr. Rio noted that the PAP continues to stifle the potential of local entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes. He argued that security and development are not mutually exclusive. The state remains a prime destination for the Hornbill Festival and other cultural programs that draw international attention. Now, the government wants that interest to translate into lasting economic partnerships.
Updated at 4th September 2026 at 9:48am
Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along noted that the current permit system traces back to the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order of 1958. He argued that officials should stop viewing Nagaland through the same security lens used for Manipur or Mizoram, pointing out that past denials of entry to high-profile religious figures like Franklin Graham have damaged the state's reputation among its Christian population.
State data suggests the permit system has created a concrete drag on the local economy. A government survey during the 2023 Hornbill Festival tracked over 2.76 crore in hotel revenue alone. While foreign tourist arrivals at the festival site grew from 284 in 2010 to 2,528 in 2025, officials complain that the Centre often grants relaxations too late for visitors and businesses to coordinate visas, flights, and logistics.
Advisor Hekani Jakhalu warned that the permit requirement is stalling the state's integration into the national Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative. She noted that while 190 local youths have already landed jobs in Japan’s manufacturing sector, the permit regime hampers similar international investment and business partnerships. Legislator Naiba Konyak added that the Centre must respect Article 371A and the historical context of Naga autonomy, arguing that easing these regulations is vital for the state's long-term growth.
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