- Pushes for political-level Naga talks
- Oil, gas exploration to begin this year
Nagaland chief minister and Naga People’s Front (NPF) president Dr. Neiphiu Rio Wednesday informed that the recently signed Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) agreement will be enacted as a State Act during the forthcoming Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Budget Session beginning March 2.
Speaking to media after a grand reception programme organized by NPF at its Chümoukedima division office, Rio clarified that the FNTA agreement would be legislated as a State Act, not a Parliamentary Act. He explained that once passed in the Assembly, the process of establishing the FNTA administrative structure would begin, with an interim arrangement lasting one year. During this period, salaries of the authority would be borne by the state government.
Rio said discussions with the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and Union home ministry officials were conducted item by item, with necessary corrections made in line with Cabinet decisions before the tripartite agreement was finalized. He further informed that the finance ministry had agreed to provide funding for the ENPO autonomous arrangement from the Union home ministry budget, ensuring the state’s financial share would not be adversely affected. On the appointment of Ajit Lal as North East adviser, Rio clarified that A.K. Mishra had been serving in that role primarily to handle law and order issues and had also participated in the Naga peace process. He reiterated that the Naga issue was political in nature and required dialogue at the political level.
Responding to queries on the Protected Area Permit (PAP), Rio said no formal assurance had been given by the Centre regarding its removal. However, he confirmed that he had raised the matter with Union home minister Amit Shah and the Intelligence Bureau director, reiterating Nagaland’s demand for lifting PAP and assuring that the state government was prepared to monitor foreign visitors.
Earlier, addressing party leaders and workers, Rio thanked God for unity among the Naga people, describing it as their greatest strength. He recounted the recent Delhi visit, where the Union home secretary had requested an urgent meeting with the home minister to deliberate on issues including the ENPO matter. Rio said the state Cabinet and Political Affairs Committee (PAC) expedited meetings to ensure a unified stand before travelling to Delhi.
The delegation met BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Union home minister Amit Shah, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the home secretary, and the IB director. Rio expressed concern over Nagaland’s financial position, warning that the discontinuation of the Revenue Gap Grant by the 16th Finance Commission could result in a loss of Rs.8,000-9,000 crore annually. He cautioned that without central support, the state could face difficulties in paying salaries, leading to administrative instability. Assurances of assistance were given by both the Union home minister and finance minister, enabling the state to proceed with the Budget Session.
On the Naga peace process, Rio said the PAC had been constituted to engage with Naga Political Groups (NPGs). He stressed that the issue must progress at the political or ministerial level rather than being treated purely as a law-and-order matter. He recalled the consultative meeting of September 12, 2024, attended by 61 organizations, where 226 signatories endorsed a resolution for political-level dialogue. The home ministry, he added, had agreed to appoint a Union minister of state along with an IB expert to facilitate talks.
Rio noted that issues relating to the Naga flag, constitution, and integration remained pending, while other competencies under the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position required documentation and discussion. On the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and border fencing, he said Nagaland should not be treated at par with Manipur and Mizoram, emphasizing that cross-border movement was integral to the livelihood of border communities.
On oil, gas, and mineral exploration, Rio announced that the Cabinet had decided to commence exploration activities this year, with a sub-committee headed by him to ensure transparency. He stated that Nagaland and Assam would share royalties on a 50:50 basis in border areas.
Regarding the merger of NDPP and NPF, Rio said the process was nearing completion, with the Election Commission confirming that required documents were in order. He added that delimitation was due in 2026 and stressed the urgency of resolving the Naga political issue before the present term ends.
Advocating for emotional, social and cultural integration, Rio called for the formation of a “Pan-Naga Hoho” platform to provide a broader foundation for any future settlement. He urged unity, patience and prayer, stating that while human efforts may have limitations, unity and responsibility must prevail.
Meanwhile, delivering the introductory note, NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon, MLA, said the PAC delegation had resolved to vigorously pursue the Naga political issue within the mandate entrusted to it. He said concerns such as PAP, border fencing and restoration of political-level dialogue were raised during the Delhi meetings. He added that the Centre had agreed that the issue would be handled by a leader headed by a minister of state.
Kikon also reiterated that the NPF remained committed to an honourable and peaceful solution beyond the 16-Point Agreement and statehood. He termed the signing of the tripartite FNTA agreement between the Centre, the state government and ENPO as a significant achievement, following the September 12, 2024 consensus resolution calling for political-level dialogue.
NPF working president and adviser to chief minister Abu Metha described FNTA agreement as a historic milestone and said it would be placed before the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for enactment. He said the recent visit to Delhi led by chief minister also highlighted the state’s financial concerns to the Centre, including the earlier funding pattern from the Consolidated Fund of India.
Metha further said the NPF’s role in Manipur, where the party with five MLAs is part of the ruling alliance and holds the deputy chief minister’s post, reflected growing recognition of the party beyond Nagaland. He called for unity among Nagas across states and urged party workers to support ongoing efforts for peace and development.
Members from Eastern Nagaland in Dimapur and Chümoukedima accorded a warm welcome to Rio at Dimapur airport upon his arrival from Delhi.