Rio urges Centre to extend Hornbill Festival relaxation to one month in 2026 and grant specific exemptions for investors, sports personnel and international partners
Nagaland Chief Minister, Dr Neiphiu Rio has written to the Union Home Minister, expressing appreciation for the Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to relax the Protected Area Regime (PAP) in Nagaland for 10 days, from December 1 to 10 every year, coinciding with the Hornbill Festival. The decision was communicated through the Ministry’s letter dated November 4, 2026.
While appreciating the consideration extended by the Government of India, Rio stated that the limited relaxation falls short of addressing Nagaland’s broader requirements, particularly in tourism, investment, sports and international cooperation.
He pointed out that Nagaland, known as the “Land of Festivals”, hosts numerous festivals, cultural events and tourism-related activities throughout the year. Restricting the relaxation of the Protected Area Regime to just 10 days, he said, does not provide the enabling environment required for the sustained growth of the tourism and hospitality industry.
The Chief Minister observed that international tourists generally plan their travel itineraries well in advance, with many arriving in Nagaland before the commencement of the Hornbill Festival and extending their stay beyond the festival period to explore the State’s diverse destinations, cultural heritage and natural attractions.
A limited 10-day exemption, he stated, creates practical difficulties for tourists, tour operators, travel agencies and hospitality establishments, thereby restricting the potential economic benefits of tourism.
Referring to the experience of the previous year, when a similar limited relaxation had adversely affected tourism-related activities, Rio reiterated the State Government’s request for a complete exemption from the Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirement for foreign tourists visiting Nagaland throughout the year.
The Chief Minister also sought specific exemptions for foreign corporate representatives, investors, business delegations and their accompanying family members visiting Nagaland for investment, trade, business engagements and related activities.
In the field of sports, he requested complete exemption for foreign sportspersons, professional players, coaches, technical officials, team management personnel and their accompanying family members visiting the State to participate in sporting events, tournaments and related activities.
Rio pointed out that Nagaland is increasingly emerging as a venue for national-level sporting events. In particular, the State is hosting the Indian Football League with the participation of Nagaland United Sports Club. Beginning November 14, 2026, national-level football clubs are scheduled to arrive in the State for the league, with professional teams including foreign nationals among their players.
He stated that the existing restrictions could create considerable difficulties for the participation and movement of international players and associated personnel.
The Chief Minister further requested exemptions for representatives of Nagaland’s international country partners, including diplomats, officials and other representatives visiting the State for official engagements, tourism promotion, cultural exchange and collaborative activities.
He also sought exemptions for representatives of foreign private firms, companies and institutions collaborating with the Government of Nagaland or its authorised agencies in human resource development, employment generation and the placement of skilled and professional manpower in foreign countries.
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Rio stated that such exemptions were important not only to facilitate the movement of foreign nationals but also to enable Nagaland to establish meaningful international partnerships, attract investment, promote employment opportunities and create a conducive environment for tourism and sporting activities.
He added that Nagaland remained committed to contributing meaningfully to the national vision of promoting the North Eastern Region as a major destination for tourism, investment and international engagement. While acknowledging the security considerations underlying the Protected Area Regime, he emphasised the need for appropriate facilitation measures to ensure that legitimate economic, cultural, sporting and tourism-related activities were not unduly constrained.
The Chief Minister, therefore, urged the Union Home Minister to intervene and reconsider the 10-day relaxation, requesting that it be extended to at least one month, from November 15 to December 15, 2026, for the Hornbill Festival 2026.
He also requested the Ministry to consider a comprehensive exemption from the Protected Area 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.
Rio expressed hope that favourable consideration of the request would help promote Nagaland as an accessible and welcoming destination while advancing the economic and developmental interests of the State.
