The Nagaland government is seeking the complete withdrawal of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime to boost foreign tourist arrivals and investment, while processing formalities to invite President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the Hornbill Festival 2026 on December 1, according to reports.
Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along told reporters that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had raised the PAP issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a recent visit to New Delhi, following discussions in the Nagaland Assembly in September. PTI reported that Shah had assured Rio he would examine the matter and consider possible steps at the earliest.
Along said lifting the permit regime could encourage tourism, investment and business opportunities, including tourism-related ventures for educated unemployed youth. He maintained that Nagaland was capable of managing foreign tourists, while stressing that security and national interests remained paramount.
On the Hornbill Festival, Along confirmed to Northeast Live that the government intended to invite President Murmu and was processing the necessary official correspondence and protocol formalities. PTI also reported that the government was working towards inviting her for the December 1 opening ceremony. Her participation has not yet been officially confirmed.
Along expressed hope that the country’s first tribal President would attend the festival, describing the proposed visit as a matter of pride for Nagaland.
PTI also reported that Along welcomed President Murmu’s assent to the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Bill, crediting Rio’s efforts to address developmental concerns in eastern Nagaland.
On demands by tribal bodies for increased assistance to maintain their morungs at Kisama, he said the matter would be deliberated on by the High Power Committee. Tribal bodies have sought an increase in the existing assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh for maintaining their morungs at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, PTI reported.
