Context:
The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival commenced in Nagaland amid the State government’s opposition to the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime, which restricts the entry of foreign nationals. The issue has brought into focus the balance between internal security concerns and tourism-led economic development in the North-East.
Key Highlights:
Hornbill Festival and Tourism Significance
- Annual cultural festival showcasing Naga tribal culture, art, music, dance, and cuisine
- Considered Nagaland’s flagship tourism event
- Plays a key role in branding the State globally and attracting foreign tourists
Protected Area Permit (PAP) Regime
- Re-imposed in December 2024 in Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram
- Restricts foreign nationals from entering notified protected areas without prior permission
- Implemented under security considerations, especially due to instability in Manipur and Myanmar
Nagaland Government’s Stand
- Ruled by a Naga People’s Front–BJP coalition
- Only State among the three openly opposing PAP
- Argues Nagaland is peaceful and stable, making PAP unnecessary
- Views PAP as a deterrent to tourism, investment, and cultural exchange
Centre’s Interim Response
- Temporary relaxation of PAP during the Hornbill Festival
- Decision taken after appeal by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio
- Request included exemption for foreign delegates from six partner countries and complete withdrawal of PAP
Tourism Data (2024)
- Total tourists: 1,25,516 domestic, 5,623 foreign
- During Hornbill Festival:
- 56,217 domestic tourists
- 2,527 foreign tourists
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Hornbill Festival:
- Celebrates the cultural diversity of Naga tribes
- Named after the Hornbill bird, symbol of Naga folklore
- Protected Area Permit (PAP):
- Required for foreign nationals to visit protected areas
- Earlier relaxed in 2011 in Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim
- Reintroduced due to security concerns in border regions
- Issue & Causes:
- Regional instability and cross-border security concerns
- Tension between security policy and economic interests
- Impact & Challenges:
- Adverse effect on foreign tourist inflow
- Hampers cultural diplomacy and investment sentiment
Relevant Mains Points:
- Polity & Governance Dimension:
- PAP highlights Centre–State tensions in internal security decisions
- Raises questions on federal consultation and regional sensitivities
- Art & Culture Linkage:
- Cultural festivals as instruments of soft power and nation branding
- Role of heritage tourism in preserving tribal identity
- Keywords & Concepts:
- Internal security, tourism-led development, cooperative federalism
- Way Forward:
- Periodic security assessment-based relaxation of PAP
- Greater Centre–State coordination on tourism policy
- Use of technology-based monitoring instead of blanket restrictions
- Promoting the North-East as a safe cultural tourism destination while addressing security needs
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS 1: Art & Culture, Cultural Heritage
- GS 2: Polity, Governance, Centre–State Relations