One of the tourist came from Uttar Pradesh, searched for non-Naga food stall for Roti-Sabji, but there was not single non-Naga to provide him his choice food. He also informed that only two tea stalls he found, which is only tea, coffee and pastries, the other stalls are only non-vegetarian and some of them with local beer, which is also diluted and five time costlier than Kohima town. His comment was such big festival should be with all type of dishes, besides Naga dishes so that people coming from outside can have their choice food, but by seeing the prices of food, it was a looting festival. The visitors could not resist the temptation of various Naga food items on display at various tribes community Morungs (dormitories) and stalls, which were also among the popular attractions. The food items looked tempting and irresistible. However, the delicious looking delicacies were practically undone by the unreasonably stiff rates which were more than double at various restaurants and hotels in the capital. For instance, a plate of rice, merely 100 grams of rice, with two pieces of pork cost Rs. 200 and an additional plate of rice and pork costs around Rs. 120. Packed chips that normally cost Rs. 5 were sold at Rs. 10.
One of the stall owner informed that he was made to pay a sum of Rs. 7000 (Rs. 700 per day) to Tourism Department for opening the stall. Tourists coming from foreign countries and mainland, who are staying in hotels in Kohima preferred to come to Kohima for their launch and dinner, which are more cheaper than Kisama stalls, including share taxi fares. Some of the visitors, who had been issued car passes were also made to pay Rs. 50 as parking fee. Normally Rs. 10 was charged as entrance fee for one time and the same amount is charged for the second entry on the same day. Even 'Press' was not spared from parking taxes. It may be recalled that the Commissioner Secretary of Tourism Himato Zhimomi, had earlier at a press conference, informed media persons that the Department has will provide facilities for media for better coverage, but the Department failed to facilitate anything as he assured. The Security Pass holder journalists were kept far away from the President of India on the first day, even not allowed to take a close photograph of President during his inaugural speech and when he had beat the gong to declare the Golden Jubilee statehood and Nagaland Hornbill Festival open. One journalist, who failed to take a good photograph of the President, torn up the Security Pass saying it 'useless'. Himato had made the point clear to the tribal Hohos officials during its meeting not to make profits through the stall, but failed to control anybody from extorting exorbitant prices in every items.