NAGALAND SEEKS WITHDRAWAL OF PROTECTED AREA PERMIT REGIME

WHY IN THE NEWS ?

Recent Demand: Nagaland government has urged the Centre to completely withdraw the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime from the state.
Tourism Concerns: The demand comes ahead of the Hornbill Festival (December 1–10), as PAP restrictions discourage international tourists and affect tourism-led economic growth.

Tourism Promotion: Nagaland argues that mandatory PAP requirements discourage international tourists from visiting the state, particularly during the annual Hornbill Festival.
Economic Impact: Restrictions adversely affect tourism, investment opportunities, hospitality businesses and local employment generation.
Administrative Burden: Former Nagaland DGP Bayo Aoying Kezo highlighted complicated application procedures and bureaucratic delays faced by international visitors.
Limited Relaxation: Ahead of the 2025 Hornbill Festival, the Centre relaxed certain PAP restrictions, but Nagaland maintained that temporary relaxation was insufficient for advance travel planning.
Government Initiative: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton have urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to withdraw PAP completely, citing its negative developmental implications.

Different Applicability: PAP applies to foreign nationals, whereas the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required by Indian citizens from outside designated protected states.
Historical Background: ILP originated during British rule under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, to regulate movement into tribal areas.
ILP Coverage: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur require ILP for entry by eligible Indian citizens.
Developmental Balance: The government must balance national security requirements with tourism promotion, cultural exchange and economic development.
Policy Reform: Introducing simplified online applications, faster clearances and predictable travel permissions can reduce inconvenience while maintaining necessary security safeguards.

● Legal Framework: PAP was introduced under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, under the Foreigners Act, 1946.

● Main Objective: It regulates the entry of foreign nationals into strategically sensitive areas located near India’s international borders.

● Applicability: Foreign tourists require PAP to visit designated protected or restricted areas.

● Geographical Coverage: The regime covers several northeastern states, including Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur.

● Security Purpose: It aims to safeguard national security, monitor foreign visitors and protect sensitive border regions.