In a landmark step, the Government of India, Government of Nagaland and representatives of Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) signed a historic agreement in New Delhi on Thursday.
ENPO, the apex body representing eight recognised Naga tribes of the six eastern districts of Nagaland, will now see the formation of Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) covering Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator. Powers over 46 Subjects will be devolved to the FNTA, ensuring enhanced local governance and development.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, his cabinet colleagues and other dignitaries, senior officers from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Government of Nagaland were also present at the occasion.
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Addressing the event, Amit Shah described the day as “significant for a dispute-free North East”.
“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned a North East that is free from insurgency, violence, disputes, and developed. Today, we have taken one more step forward in realizing that vision. Eleven years ago, several armed groups and disputes in the Northeast were pushing the region towards fragmentation and disturbing its peace. At the same time, many inter-State disputes were disrupting the peace of the States,” he said.
The Home Minister also noted that since 2019, the Modi government has signed 12 important agreements in the Northeast.
“I want to assure the representatives of ENPO that the Government of India will assist in the development of Eastern Nagaland and also will shoulder its responsibility,” Shah said adding that every year a fixed amount will be decided, and the MHA will also provide the initial expenditure for establishment.
Meanwhile, Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio stated, “It is my hope & belief that this Agreement reflects mutual trust, addresses the aspirations of Eastern Nagaland & the State at large, and reaches out to take development to every doorstep. I congratulate our brothers & sisters of Eastern Nagaland on this landmark achievement.”
The agreement provides, inter-alia, for mini-Secretariat for FNTA, headed by Additional Chief Secretary/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 Constitution of India.
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 utilization.
