Centre relaxes Protected Area Permit for Nagaland's 'Hornbill Festival'
New Delhi/Kohima, Nov 29
Responding to the Nagaland government's request, the Centre on Saturday relaxed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime for foreign visitors during the 'Hornbill Festival', beginning December 1, officials said.
A senior official in Kohima said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has conveyed to Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen that the Government of India has approved the relaxation of the PAP regime for the 10-day Hornbill Festival.
The official added that the state government had made several appeals over the past 12 months for temporary relaxation to ensure wider international participation in the annual cultural mega-event.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had met central leaders, including the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on multiple occasions and had also written to the Government of India several times.
The Nagaland Chief Minister, in his latest letter to the Home Minister on November 28, appealed to the Centre as a member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to take immediate action on the clearance of PAP applications for international delegates. Even the state cabinet had resolved to object to the imposition of the PAP regime in Nagaland, the official said.
The letter of the Home Ministry to the Chief Secretary acknowledged that the 26th edition of the 'Hornbill Festival' will have six partner countries and that tourism plays an important role in the economy of Nagaland, especially in generating livelihood and employment opportunities.
The letter states that tourists from across the country and around the world are expected to visit Nagaland for the 'Hornbill Festival'. It states that the Partner Countries will be participating in various cultural events, business round tables and networking engagements; and that the state government has requested the lifting of the PAP regime in the larger interest of promoting tourism, improving ease of movement, and strengthening integration with the rest of the country.
The MHA letter says that, accordingly, the Government of India has considered the request of the Nagaland government, keeping in view the importance attached to the 'Hornbill Festival' of Nagaland.
In his letter, the Nagaland Chief Minister highlighted that the 'Hornbill Festival', one of India's most prominent cultural events, coincides with the state commemoration day and attracts thousands of visitors from across India and abroad.
Calling the festival a crucial driver of the state's economy, he noted its vital role in generating employment and livelihood opportunities. A relaxed PAP regime, he said, would help strengthen international cultural exchanges and further promote India's cultural identity.
He added that the issue has become urgent with the festive season approaching, especially the Hornbill Festival 2025, which attracts large numbers of domestic and foreign tourists each year. Reports indicate that the current PAP requirements may discourage many potential visitors. The PAP, imposed in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, regulates and restricts the entry of foreign nationals into designated areas.
The 26th edition of the 10-day Hornbill Festival, which coincides with Nagaland's Statehood Day, will be held from December 1 to 10 at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some common sense! These restrictions were outdated and hurting tourism. Hope they make this permanent, not just for the festival. The Northeast has so much to offer to the world.
While I appreciate the relaxation, I hope proper security protocols remain in place. There should be a balance between promoting tourism and ensuring safety in sensitive border areas.
Great move by the Centre! This shows how cooperative federalism works. The Hornbill Festival is truly amazing - I visited last year and the cultural performances, local crafts, and Naga cuisine are unforgettable. More people should experience this!
Why did it take 12 months and multiple appeals? This should have been done much earlier. Bureaucratic delays like this hurt our tourism industry and local livelihoods. Hope future decisions are faster.
As someone from the Northeast, I'm thrilled! This will help break stereotypes and show the world our rich cultural heritage. The Hornbill Festival is our pride - can't wait to see more international visitors appreciating our traditions. ðŸ™
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