Nagaland Assembly unanimously urges Centre to withdraw Protected Area Permit regime

Kohima, Sep 3 (AHN) The Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday unanimously adopted a government resolution urging the Centre to urgently review and withdraw the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime currently applicable to the state and restore the earlier relaxation.

During the 9th session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday, the House unanimously accepted a resolution urging the Central government to urgently review and withdraw the PAP regime presently applicable to Nagaland and restore the relaxation that had earlier been in operation.

The resolution, moved by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, who also holds the Home and Border Affairs portfolios, and unanimously adopted by the House, highlighted Nagaland’s peaceful environment and its growing potential for tourism, culture, investment, entrepreneurship and international engagement.

The House noted that tourism, along with the service and creative sectors, has emerged as an important source of employment and livelihood, particularly for the youth. It also highlighted the contribution of the Hornbill Festival, the ‘Land of Festivals’ initiative and other tourism and cultural programmes in projecting India’s cultural diversity and creating economic opportunities for local communities and entrepreneurs.

The resolution stated that the continuation of the PAP regime has created impediments to the growth of international tourism, investment, business engagement, cultural exchange and international partnerships in the State.

While seeking the withdrawal or relaxation of the regime, the House reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to national security and assured that appropriate systems for the registration, regulation and monitoring of foreign nationals could be put in place through modern technology and close coordination with the Government of India and its agencies.

The Assembly also noted that civil society organisations, tribal bodies, tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs and other sections of Naga society have repeatedly expressed their desire for the withdrawal or relaxation of the PAP regime.

The resolution appealed to the Government of India to take into consideration the prevailing peaceful environment in Nagaland, the developmental aspirations of its people, the importance of tourism and investment to the State’s economy, and the aspirations of Naga youth for greater opportunities and participation in India’s growth story.

The House further observed that regulatory arrangements which have outlived their developmental relevance should not become barriers to economic opportunity, employment generation and Nagaland’s fuller participation in the national and global economy.

Accordingly, the Assembly made a collective appeal to the government of India to give urgent and favourable consideration to the demand of the elected representatives and people of Nagaland and take appropriate measures for the complete withdrawal or relaxation of the Protected Area Permit regime from the State.

The PAP, imposed in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, regulates and restricts the entry of foreign nationals into designated areas.