Nagaland CM Calls for Removal of Protected Area Permit
Nagaland Chief Minister's Appeal to the Centre
File image of Nagaland CM Rio with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. (Photo:X)
Dimapur, Sept 13: Nagaland's Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has formally requested the central government to abolish the Protected Area Permit (PAP) system in the state, a decision that was unanimously supported during the recent session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
In a correspondence directed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rio expressed the collective desires and aspirations of the Nagaland populace for the elimination of the PAP system.
Highlighting the serious concerns regarding the PAP's ongoing enforcement, the letter indicated that the Nagaland Assembly had thoroughly discussed this issue and passed a resolution urging the Government of India to reconsider and revoke the regime, reinstating the previous relaxations.
“This resolution embodies the unified stance of the elected officials, transcending all factions within the Assembly,” the letter emphasized.
Rio noted that the matter has sparked significant concern among civil society groups, tribal organizations, tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and the youth. He pointed out that there is a strong and collective sentiment that the PAP's persistence is hindering the state's developmental goals and its efforts for enhanced economic integration with the rest of India and beyond.
Rio reminded that the state government has raised this issue with the central government multiple times. He mentioned that the state cabinet has also discussed the topic and reached a consensus against reinstating the PAP in Nagaland.
“We have consistently expressed our readiness to implement suitable mechanisms, including technology-driven systems, for the registration, regulation, and monitoring of foreign visitors in close collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant agencies,” Rio stated.