Kohima: The Nagaland Cabinet on Tuesday took a series of decisive measures addressing longstanding demands and developmental priorities, including the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), oil and natural gas exploration, and reforms in landholding regulations.
The Cabinet, which met at Chumoukedima, focused on key issues affecting the state’s political, economic, and social landscape.
Government spokesperson and minister K G Kenye said the discussions prominently centered on the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation’s (ENPO) call for the establishment of the FNT.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed that this long-pending issue, pursued for more than a decade, will be resolved in line with the aspirations of our people,” Kenye stated. Talks between ENPO and the Government of India are scheduled in New Delhi, with the state government hopeful of a positive announcement soon.
To strengthen coordination on political and Centre-related matters, the Cabinet decided to form a sub-committee under the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), to be convened by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The sub-committee will include the two Deputy Chief Ministers, the state’s two Members of Parliament, and select Cabinet members.
A delegation from the sub-committee has already departed for New Delhi to address issues concerning the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP), urging the Centre to review the regulations, which the state government believes are affecting Nagaland adversely.
Oil and natural gas exploration was another major topic of discussion. Kenye noted that while legal disputes had previously delayed progress, the Cabinet is now moving forward based on the rights guaranteed to Nagaland under Article 371A of the Constitution. “Article 371A clearly states that the land and its resources belong to the people of Nagaland. All resources, above and below the surface, belong to the landowners and the people,” he explained. He added that the withdrawal of the court case by the organization concerned has cleared the way for exploration to proceed.
The Cabinet also reviewed reforms in landholding regulations, a matter that had remained unresolved despite multiple legislations and office memorandums over the years. Under the new directives, non-cadastral and government-occupied lands, previously without individual pattas, will now undergo proper registration, issue of land pattas, and payment of land revenue like private lands. These steps, Kenye said, are aimed at ensuring long-term clarity and regulation of the landholding system, with detailed notifications expected soon.
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