Nagaland CM urges Centre to lift PAP rules permanently as Hornbill Festival begins

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday reiterated his appeal to the Centre to lift the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime from the state, saying Nagaland must be treated differently based on ground realities.

Speaking at the ‘Nagaland United: A Gathering of Faith, Hope and Revival’ at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Rio said foreign dignitaries, including evangelist Franklin Graham, continue to face delays as PAP clearances are not issued on time.

Graham had been scheduled to be the main speaker at the programme and attend the inaugural session of the 10-day Hornbill Festival beginning Monday. However, his travel documentation and clearance were delayed, preventing him from attending.

PAP is a travel document required by foreigners to visit certain sensitive areas in India.

Rio said he had written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on November 18 and 28, seeking early clearance of visas for foreign tourists and urging that the PAP regime be lifted permanently. The regime was reimposed in December last year.

He added that although the Centre has relaxed PAP requirements for Nagaland from December 1 to 10 to facilitate the Hornbill Festival, the temporary measure “does not solve the larger issue”.

Rio said the state Cabinet reviewed the matter in January, and several representations had been sent to the Centre since the re-imposition of PAP on December 17 for Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland.

“The state government will continue to pursue the matter for complete and permanent lifting of the PAP regime for Nagaland. Our state deserves to be treated differently, based on the reality on the ground,” he said.

Welcoming Rev Robert Cunville of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), Rio recalled attending the historic 1972 ‘Billy Graham Crusade’ at Khuochiezie as a youth.

He lauded Cunville’s long-standing ministry in the Northeast and conveyed warm greetings to the visiting BGEA team, requesting them to pass on Nagaland’s goodwill to Franklin Graham.

Rio also appreciated the KBPF, NBCC and the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum for organising the event.

Emphasising unity, he urged citizens to uphold peace and coexistence, noting how the Gospel and education had transformed Naga society from conflict to a community anchored in faith and progress.

As the festive season approaches, he called for renewed commitment to brotherhood, harmony and fellowship.

Delivering his gospel message, Cunville urged believers to pause from the world and listen to God’s voice.

Thousands attended the service, joining in worship, prayer and reflection during the special revival gathering.