Kohima, Nov 30 (NNN): The Government of India has informed the Nagaland government that the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime has been relaxed in Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival. This was conveyed to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland in a letter dated November 29 from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
It may be recalled that the Nagaland state government had made several appeals to the Government of India for a relaxation of this regime over the past 12 months. The Nagaland Chief Minister had met central leaders, including the Union Home Minister, on multiple occasions and had also written to the Government of India several times.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s latest letter of appeal to Home Minister Amit Shah was made on November 28. Even the state Cabinet had resolved to object to the imposition of the PAP regime in Nagaland.
The letter from the Home Ministry to the Nagaland 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 also 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 Home Ministry letter says that, accordingly, the Government of India had considered the request of the Nagaland Government, keeping in view of the importance attached to the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.
