Nagaland request to withdraw Protected Area Permit regime

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Government of India to withdraw the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime. Legislators argued that the restrictions, which were reinforced by the Ministry of Home Affairs in December 2024, hinder tourism, investment, business engagement, and international partnerships.

State leaders, including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, emphasized that the regime creates impediments to economic growth and sectors like the creative industries. To address national security concerns, the assembly proposed using modern technology and coordination with central agencies to monitor foreign nationals instead of maintaining the permit system.

Following the assembly's resolution, Chief Minister Rio formally met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to request the withdrawal of the regime. Rio noted that the issue has caused widespread concern among tribal bodies, civil society, and the business community, and reiterated the state's willingness to implement alternative, technology-enabled monitoring mechanisms to regulate foreign visitors.