Nagaland Assembly Urges Centre to Withdraw Protected Area Permit Regime

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly has unanimously urged the Centre to withdraw the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime from the state, arguing that the restrictions are affecting tourism, investment, business activity and opportunities for greater international engagement.

The resolution was moved by Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton and received the support of members across the political spectrum. The assembly maintained that the state has remained peaceful and that easing restrictions on the movement of foreign visitors could help unlock its economic and social potential.

Under the Protected Area Permit system, foreign nationals seeking to visit designated areas are required to obtain prior permission from the authorities. The regime has been applied to certain northeastern states because of security and administrative considerations. The Nagaland government has now sought a review of the arrangement, citing its impact on the state’s development prospects.

During the discussion, members highlighted the importance of international tourism for Nagaland. The state is known for its cultural diversity, traditional festivals, scenic landscapes and indigenous communities, all of which could attract visitors from abroad. Legislators argued that greater access for foreign tourists could provide new opportunities for local businesses, hospitality services and young people.

The assembly also pointed to the possible benefits of removing the permit requirement for investment and commercial engagement. According to the resolution, restrictions on foreign visitors can discourage potential investors, entrepreneurs and organisations from exploring partnerships and opportunities in the state. Legislators said greater interaction with international visitors could also encourage cultural exchange and expose local communities and businesses to new ideas and markets.

The state government has emphasised that Nagaland’s security situation and social environment should be taken into account while reviewing the permit regime. It has argued that the continuation of restrictions should be assessed in light of present circumstances rather than relying solely on considerations that led to their introduction. The assembly’s unanimous resolution sends a collective message to the Centre for reconsideration of the existing policy. While the final decision on the Protected Area Permit rests with the Union government, the resolution places the issue firmly on the national agenda.