BY PC Bureau
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed strong opposition to the re-imposition of the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in the state, arguing that Nagaland’s peaceful environment, low crime rate, women’s safety, and thriving tourism sector should qualify it for exemption from such restrictions. Speaking at the Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) Krodi Kehou event in Kohima, Rio emphasized that Nagaland’s relative tranquility and significant tourist influx make it an inappropriate candidate for the stringent travel restrictions under the PAR.
In his address, Rio shared that he had raised the matter with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), but the Centre had not yet responded to his concerns. The Chief Minister revealed that the Nagaland Cabinet had met to discuss the re-imposition of the PAR, following the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) announcement on December 18, which also affected Manipur and Mizoram. Rio indicated that the state would formally appeal for a review of the decision.
The re-imposition of PAR has been strongly opposed by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who has called for a united response against it from the public and the tribal bodies of the state. https://t.co/AWUbePT4qw
— The Sentinel (@Sentinel_Assam) January 20, 2025
Rio called on tribal bodies and the general public to unite in opposing the decision, highlighting the importance of collective action. He noted that while the state has made progress, Nagaland continues to face the stigma of being labeled a “disturbed area,” keeping the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in force. He also referenced the state’s unresolved issues, saying that past wounds have not yet healed. Under the re-imposed PAR, foreign nationals wishing to visit Nagaland, along with other affected states, are required to obtain Protected Area Permits (PAP), which is seen as an additional burden on tourism and local communities.
#Nagaland | The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed strong opposition to the reimposed Protected Area Regime (PAR) by the Indian government, citing concerns that it may isolate Nagaland and hinder its development.
Read more..https://t.co/rEEfgABpDI pic.twitter.com/pF1LjYubkB
— NORTHEAST TODAY (@NortheastToday) January 20, 2025
In a related development, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has also voiced strong opposition to the re-imposition of the PAR, fearing that it could isolate the state and hinder its development. Khriedi Theunuo, the Working President of the NPCC, expressed concerns that the re-imposition could have far-reaching negative consequences for Nagaland, particularly in terms of its economy, tourism, and connectivity with the rest of India. The NPCC has pledged to continue pressing the issue with the central government, hoping for a favorable outcome.
