CM Rio renews demand to lift Protected Area Permit regime from Nagaland

KOHIMA: (Dec 1) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio appealed to the Centre for lifting the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime from the state, maintaining that Nagaland must be treated differently based on ground realities.

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

Graham was supposed to be the main speaker at the programme and also attend the inaugural session of the 10-day Hornbill Festival, which will start on Monday. But he could not attend the programme after his travel documentation and clearance were delayed.