Nagaland Government Seeks End to PAP Restrictions to Boost Foreign Tourism

Kohima: The Nagaland government has decided to appeal to the central government to exempt the state from the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime, according to state Environment Minister CL John. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held at the chief minister’s residence on Monday.

Under the PAP system, foreign nationals require special permits to visit specific areas in India, including parts of the Northeast. The state Cabinet discussed the matter extensively, noting Nagaland's successful hosting of the Hornbill Festival last December, which drew over 2,500 foreign visitors among a total of more than 2,05,000 attendees at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, about 12 kilometers from the state capital.

The event took place peacefully, demonstrating Nagaland’s capability to manage such gatherings without additional restrictions.

Initially introduced in the 1960s as a security measure due to the region’s sensitive geopolitical concerns, the PAP was revoked in 2021, allowing foreigners easier access to Nagaland and other Northeastern states. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs reinstated the PAP in Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram in December 2024, reversing the earlier decision.

The Nagaland Cabinet believes the PAP regime hampers tourism and foreign engagement, which are vital for the state's growth. Therefore, the state intends to appeal to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to lift the PAP restrictions once again, fostering more opportunities for international visitors and enhancing the region’s global connectivity.

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