Central Government, the Nagaland Government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) signed an agreement for the formation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). ENPO is an apex body representing eight recognised Naga tribes of the six eastern districts of Nagaland. The agreement was signed in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio. The agreement will pave the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for six districts of Nagaland, including Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator, and the devolution of powers in respect of 46 Subjects to the FNTA. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi today. Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio was also present on the occasion
Speaking at the signing of the agreement, Mr Shah said that today is a very significant day for a dispute-free North East. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the developed North East and free from insurgency, violence, and disputes, Mr Shah said that the government has taken one step forward in realising this vision. He said that eleven years ago, several armed groups and disputes in the North East were pushing the region towards fragmentation and disturbing its peace. At the same time, many interstate disputes were disrupting the peace of the states. He underlined that since 2019, the Modi government has signed 12 important agreements in the North East.
Mr Shah further assured the people of ENPO that the Government will extend its support for the development of Eastern Nagaland. He assured them to keep faith and participate in the democratic process, and they would definitely receive both fair justice and due respect.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Chief Minister said that this historic agreement reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable and inclusive governance and continuing efforts to reach all regions of the state.
The agreement provides, inter alia, for a mini-Secretariat for FNTA, headed by the Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary, Sharing of development Outlay for the Eastern Nagaland region proportional to population and area. However, this agreement does not affect in any manner whatsoever the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution. This unique arrangement envisages overall development of Eastern Nagaland through financial autonomy, enhanced decision-making leading to accelerated infrastructure development, economic empowerment and optimum resource utilisation.
