Digital Desk: The Nagaland Government has decided to appeal to the Central Government to revoke the Protected Area Permit (PAP) restrictions to boost foreign tourism in the Northeastern state. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting held in the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's residence on Monday.
Speaking to a News Agency, the Environment Minister of Nagaland C L John said, "During the cabinet meeting, a thorough deliberation was made over the PAP regime. The council of ministers observed that the state peacefully celebrated the Hornbill festival from December 1 to 10 last year with more than 2,000 foreigners attending the event. The cabinet decided to appeal to the Centre to revoke the PAP system in Nagaland."
According to reports, a total of 2,05,968 visitors including 2,527 foreigners visited Nagaland during the Hornbill Festival, held at Kisama village.
Due to the sensitive nature of Nagaland, PAP was imposed in 1960. It was revoked in December 2021 to give foreigners swift access to Nagaland and other Northeastern states. However, after three years, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reimposed the PAP restrictions in three Northeastern states, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram in December 2024 for suspected cases of entry of large numbers of people from neighboring countries.
Mizoram has urged the Centre to review its decision to reimpose PAP in the state. This has reduced the number of foreign visitors to the state. Now, Nagaland has decided to raise its concern that the PAP restriction may hinder the visit of foreigners to the state.
Nagaland is all about scenic routes, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. It has never failed to attract tourists to beautiful destinations like Konoma - Asia's first green village, Mon Village, Dzukou Valley, Hornbill Festival, and Japfu Peak among others.
Continue Reading
