Dimapur, Sept 13: Nagal and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged the Centre to withdraw the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in the State, as unanimously adopted during the recently concluded Nagal and Legislative Assembly session. In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rio conveyed the collective sentiments and aspirations of the people of Nagal and for withdrawal of the PAP regime in the State.

Expressing serious concern over the continuation of the PAP regime, the letter said that the Nagal and Assembly, during its recent session, deliberated extensively on this matter and unanimously adopted a resolution, appealing to the Government of India to review and withdraw the regime and restore the relaxation that had earlier been in operation. “The resolution reflects the united position of the elected representatives of the people, cutting across all sections of the House,” the letter stated.

Rio said that the issue has also generated widespread concern among civil society organisations, tribal bodies, tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs, business community and the youth. He added that there is 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 reminded that the State Government had taken up the matter with the Government of India on several occasions. He said that the State Cabinet had also deliberated on the matter and resolved against the reimposition of the PAP regime in Nagal and.

“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.