Overview
- The Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a government resolution on Thursday urging the Centre to urgently review and withdraw the Protected Area Permit regime that restricts entry of foreign nationals.
- The PAP was relaxed for Nagaland in 2011 but was reimposed on December 17, 2024 for security reasons, reinstating permit and registration requirements under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
- State leaders said the PAP now hinders international tourism, investment, cultural exchange and youth employment and called for restoration of the earlier relaxation to revive those sectors.
- The resolution offers a specific alternative by proposing technology-driven systems to register, regulate and monitor foreign visitors and affirmed Nagaland’s commitment to cooperate with central security agencies.
- Nagaland’s appeal consolidates prior letters, cabinet actions and a February meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah that sought central reconsideration, but the final decision rests with the Government of India given ongoing cross-border security concerns.