Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has once again written to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealing for the removal of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime from Nagaland and also to clear permits of the representatives of the Partner Countries of the Hornbill Festival.

In a post on X (previously Twitter) uploaded on November 28, Rio shared the letter written to Amit Shah updating on the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland scheduled to begin from December 1 coinciding with the State Commemoration Day. The Chief Minister cited the important role Hornbill Festival plays in the economy of Nagaland, especially in generating livelihood and employment opportunities.

He Informed that this year, the festival will host six partner countries, each participating in various cultural events, business roundtables and networking engagements. With all programmes been finalised, Rio expressed concern over the procedural hurdles.

“You are also aware that I have repeatedly taken up the matter of removing the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime from Nagaland and that I have received positive assurances from you regarding its removal. However, the PAP regime continues to remain in force, and tourists planning to visit the state continue to face significant challenges and procedural hurdles. This situation is adversely affecting our economy as well as the image of both the state and the country,” stated the CM.

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Urging for Shah’s immediate intervention, the Chief Minister requested:

Urgent clearance of PAP permits for the representatives of the partner countries, with only a few days left before the festival begins.

Lifting of the PAP regime for Nagaland in the larger interest of promoting tourism, improving ease of movement, and strengthening the integration with the rest of the country.

“Nagaland has been a committed and contributing member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for decades. We earnestly appeal to you as an NDA partner and under the banner of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) -for your understanding and support. Your positive intervention will send a strong and reassuring message that the NDA Government at the Centre stands with the people of Nagaland in our shared vision of nation-building,” shared Rio.