Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider the limited 10-day relaxation of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime for Nagaland and extend it to at least one month, from November 15 to December 15, in view of the upcoming Hornbill Festival.
Rio also urged Shah to consider a comprehensive exemption from the PAP regime for foreign tourists visiting Nagaland throughout the year, along with specific exemptions for foreign nationals engaged in investment, corporate activities, sports, international partnerships and employment-related collaborations.
In a letter to Shah on Thursday, Rio said favourable consideration of the request would go a long way in promoting Nagaland as an accessible, welcoming and vibrant destination while advancing the state’s economic and developmental interests.
Appreciating the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) decision to relax the PAP regime in the state for 10 days, from December 1 to 10 every year, coinciding with the Hornbill Festival, he pointed out that the relaxation falls short of addressing the state’s broader requirements, particularly in tourism, investment, sports and international cooperation.
According to Rio, restricting the relaxation of the PAP regime to just 10 days does not provide the enabling environment needed for the sustained growth of the tourism and hospitality industry.
He further stated that international tourists generally plan their travel itineraries well in advance, with many arriving in Nagaland before the Hornbill Festival begins and continuing their stay beyond the festival period to explore the state’s diverse destinations, cultural heritage and natural attractions.
Rio said the limited 10-day exemption creates practical difficulties for tourists, tour operators, travel agencies and hospitality establishments, thereby restricting the potential economic benefits of tourism for the state.