Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday urged the Centre to exempt the state from the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime and restrictions under the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border. Speaking in the Assembly, Rio said the measures, reimposed last year due to unrest in Manipur and insurgent activity across the border, would harm the “unique socio-cultural ties” of Naga tribes and villages divided by the 215-km border.

“The restrictions will affect our tribes, villages, families and also discourage tourism,” Rio said, recalling that the state cabinet had unanimously opposed both decisions earlier this year. He noted that Nagaland had never faced a refugee influx and assured that foreign tourist movement was already being regulated through mandatory reporting. Expressing hope that the Union government would reconsider, he stressed that Nagaland has remained peaceful and deserved exemption.