Dimapur: Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio has urged Centre to withdraw the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in the state, citing a unanimous resolution adopted by the state legislative assembly.In a letter dated Sept 11 to Union home minister Amit Shah, Rio conveyed the collective sentiments and aspirations of the people of Nagaland for withdrawal of the PAP regime in the state.Expressing serious concern over the continuation of the PAP regime in the state, the letter said the Nagaland assembly had extensively deliberated on the issue during its recent session and unanimously adopted a resolution appealing to the Centre to review and withdraw the PAP regime and restore the earlier relaxation.“The resolution reflects the united position of the elected representatives of the people, cutting across all sections of the House,” the letter read.Rio said the issue has also raised widespread concerns among civil society organisations, tribal bodies, tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs, the business community and, particularly, the youth of Nagaland.He said there was an overwhelming and collective sentiment that the continuation of the PAP regime is adversely affecting the state’s developmental aspirations and its effort towards greater economic integration and engagement with the rest of the country and the world.Rio said the state govt had taken up the matter with Centre on several occasions. He added that the state cabinet had also opposed the reimposition of the regime and sought its early withdrawal.“We have consistently conveyed our willingness to put in place appropriate mechanisms, including technology-enabled systems, for the registration, regulation and monitoring of foreign visitors in close coordination with the ministry of home affairs and other concerned agencies,” Rio said.
