SYLLABUS

GS-2: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure.

GS-3: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security; Security challenges and their management in border areas. 

Context: Ahead of the 27th Hornbill Festival (December 1–10, 2026), the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime, arguing that it restricts international tourism, investment and economic opportunities.

Understanding the Protected Area Permit (PAP) Regime

• Legal Basis: The Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime is now governed by the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 and the Immigration and Foreigners Order, 2025, which replaced the earlier Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, respectively.

• Applicability: The PAP regulates the entry of foreign nationals into strategically sensitive areas. Foreign nationals (except Bhutanese) visiting notified protected areas require a PAP in addition to a valid Indian visa. The regime covers parts or the entirety of certain border regions.

• PAP vs ILP: PAP applies to foreign nationals for security-related regulation, whereas the Inner Line Permit (ILP), under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, regulates the entry of Indian citizens from other States into designated areas to protect indigenous communities. 

• ILP currently applies in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur.

• Evolution in Nagaland:

• 2011: The Centre relaxed PAP restrictions in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram to promote tourism. The relaxation was extended periodically, including up to December 2027.
• December 2024: The Centre withdrew the relaxation citing growing security concerns in the border areas, bringing the entire areas of the three States under the PAP regime.
• Additional Requirements under the 2024 Circular: Nationals of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan, and foreign nationals originating from these countries, require prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

Why Does Nagaland Want the PAP Regime Withdrawn?

• Impact on Tourism: Additional permit requirements discourage international tourists and affect the State's flagship Hornbill Festival, which attracts visitors from India and abroad.

• Bureaucratic Hurdles: PAP processing after visa issuance creates uncertainty and inconvenience, with foreign tourists potentially losing valuable travel time while waiting for permits.

• Investment and International Engagement: Restrictions may discourage foreign investment, business partnerships, cultural exchanges and participation by international organisations and diplomatic missions.

• Employment Generation: Tourism supports hotels, homestays, transport operators, artisans, performers and local entrepreneurs, making it an important source of livelihood, particularly for the youth.

Security Concerns and the Centre–State Perspective

• Centre's Security Rationale: The MHA reimposed PAP in December 2024 citing growing security concerns in the border areas of Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

• Nagaland's Position: The State argues that its security situation has improved considerably. In its Assembly address, the Chief Minister cited a decline in armed-group-related incidents from over 257 during 2004–09 to just 8 during 2021–26.

• Inadequacy of Temporary Relaxation: The Centre relaxed PAP restrictions ahead of the 2025 Hornbill Festival, but the decision was communicated only on 29 November, immediately before the festival. Nagaland argued that such late relaxation does not allow foreign visitors, investors and cultural partners sufficient time to plan their visits.

• Proposed Alternative: The State has offered to introduce technology-based registration and monitoring of foreign visitors, including digital recording of passport, visa, itinerary and accommodation details, in coordination with central security agencies.

Way Forward

• Periodic Security Review: Reassess the necessity and geographical scope of PAP restrictions in light of changing security conditions.

• Risk-Based Regulation: Consider targeted restrictions for sensitive areas or categories of visitors rather than uniform restrictions across the entire State.

• Technology-Based Monitoring: Strengthen digital registration, verification and monitoring of foreign visitors through coordination between State and central security agencies.

• Predictable Permit Framework: Ensure simplified procedures and advance approvals so that tourists, investors and international delegates can plan visits without uncertainty.