Photo Courtesy: nenews
Kohima: Nagaland is pushing the Centre to drop the Protected Area Permit, or PAP, regime before this year's Hornbill Festival. Officials argue that these restrictions stifle foreign tourism, block investment, and hurt local economic growth. Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along confirmed that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio raised the demand with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a recent trip to New Delhi.
Shah promised to review the request as soon as possible. Along noted that the state can handle foreign arrivals without federal oversight. Lifting the permits could bring in more cash and help young, unemployed people start new businesses. During a press event at the Campus Clash 2026 band competition, Along dismissed concerns that border tensions in nearby Arunachal Pradesh should impact the decision. He said, "India’s armed forces were well equipped to address challenges along the country’s borders."
The state expects a massive turnout for the 10-day festival starting December 1. Officials are currently working to invite President Droupadi Murmu as the inaugural guest. Along called her potential visit a major moment for the region. Meanwhile, the government is also reviewing requests from tribal groups to hike the annual Rs 1.5 lakh grant for maintaining morungs at the Kisama heritage site. The state remains focused on regional growth following the President's recent approval of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Bill.
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