New Delhi: Nagaland has sought greater international access to boost tourism, investment and economic opportunities, with the state assembly unanimously calling on the Centre to withdraw or relax the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime. The resolution passed on Thursday argued that the existing restrictions are limiting the state’s ability to expand international tourism, business activity, cultural exchanges and overseas partnerships. The Nagaland government also stressed that greater openness can be pursued without compromising national security.
The demand comes after the PAP regime, which had been relaxed in Nagaland in 2011, was brought back on December 17, 2024. The Nagaland government said the reimposition has made it more difficult for the state to attract foreign visitors, investors, businesses and international partners.
Tourism and related sectors have become an important part of Nagaland’s economic ambitions, particularly for creating opportunities for young people. Nagaland pointed to the Hornbill Festival, the ‘Land of Festivals’ initiative and other cultural and tourism programmes as platforms that have helped promote Nagaland internationally while benefiting local communities and entrepreneurs.
The Nagaland government said the PAP regime also affects international business engagement and cultural cooperation. It argued that restrictions should not prevent the state from developing sectors that can generate employment, investment and wider economic activity.
The Nagaland has sought to address security concerns alongside its demand for relaxation of the permit system. It assured the Indian government that foreign nationals can be registered, regulated and monitored through technology-based mechanisms and institutional arrangements in coordination with central agencies.
The Nagaland deputy chief minister, Yanthungo Patton, moved the resolution, which was adopted by the assembly through a voice vote. The chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio; tourism and higher education minister, Temjen Imna Along; industries and commerce adviser, Hekani Jakhalu and MLA Naiba Konyak also took part in the discussion.
The resolution said Nagaland’s present circumstances should be considered while reviewing the PAP regime, with the Nagaland government maintaining that the state’s peaceful situation differs from that of some other northeastern states where the system is applicable. It also referred to demands from civil society organizations, tribal bodies, tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs and other sections of Naga society for the withdrawal or relaxation of the regime.
Nagaland further argued that regulations should not continue to restrict development when their relevance to the state’s present circumstances has changed. It said Nagaland wants to expand tourism and investment, provide more opportunities to its youth and participate more fully in India’s economic growth.
Reaffirming its position on security, the Nagaland government said, “Security and development can go together. Progress and responsibility can go together. Openness and national interest can go together.” They also made its wider objective clear, saying, “Nagaland seeks peace. Nagaland seeks progress. Nagaland seeks investment.”