DIMAPUR, Nov 28: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking immediate clearance of Protected Area Permit (PAP) applications for international delegates scheduled to attend the 26th Hornbill Festival, which begins on December 1.
According to DIPR, Rio expressed “serious concern” over the pending PAP approvals at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), noting that preparations for the festival have been completed and foreign representatives from six partner countries are set to participate in cultural showcases, business meetings and networking events. He urged Shah to intervene personally to ensure the permits are processed without further delay.
Calling the Hornbill Festival one of India’s most prominent cultural celebrations, Rio highlighted its significant economic impact on Nagaland, particularly its role in generating tourism-driven employment and livelihood opportunities across the state.
The chief minister also reiterated Nagaland’s long-standing appeal to lift the PAP regime altogether, stating that the permit requirement creates procedural hurdles, affects international visitor flow and harms the state’s public image. Rio reminded the home minister of earlier positive assurances from the Centre and said revisiting the policy would improve ease of movement, boost tourism and strengthen Nagaland’s integration with the rest of the country.
Pointing to the state’s continued support to the NDA government under the People’s Democratic Alliance, Rio said a timely intervention would send a “strong and reassuring message” of the Centre’s commitment to Nagaland’s development and nation-building efforts.
