Guwahati, Nov 30: The Centre has approved a temporary relaxation of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime for foreign nationals visiting Nagaland during the Hornbill Festival, following sustained requests from the state government, official sources said on Saturday.
A senior official in Kohima confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen of the decision, allowing eased entry for the 10-day cultural extravaganza beginning December 1. The state government had been pressing for the relaxation for over a year to boost international participation in the festival, which is often described as the “Festival of Festivals.”
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio personally took up the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other central leaders, and wrote multiple letters urging an urgent clearance of PAP applications for foreign delegates. In its latest communication, the MHA acknowledged the significance of the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival, which features six partner countries and draws tourists from across India and abroad.
The letter stated that tourism is a crucial driver of Nagaland’s economy, generating vital livelihood and employment opportunities. It noted that partner5 countries will join cultural performances, business round tables and networking events, and that easing PAP restrictions would support tourism, improve mobility and strengthen integration with the rest of the country.
The state cabinet had earlier voiced its objection to the PAP regime in Nagaland, arguing that the stringent entry rules could deter international visitors. Rio, in his most recent letter dated November 28, said relaxation was essential to4 maintain global engagement and safeguard the festival’s growing international profile. With the festive season approaching and the Hornbill Festival attracting increasing numbers of domestic and foreign tourists each year, he warned that the existing PAP rules risked discouraging many potential visitors.
The PAP, imposed in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, regulates entry of foreign nationals into designated areas.
The 26th Hornbill Festival,6 coinciding with Nagaland’s Statehood Day, will be held from December 1 to 10 at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama.
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