In a significant move, the Nagaland government has taken up key issues concerning central fund utilization, the ongoing demand for the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), and pressing policy matters such as the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP).
Depts asked to expedite utilisation of funds worth over Rs. 500 cr: Facing the risk of central funds worth over Rs. 500 crore lapsing due to project delays, the Nagaland government on Wednesday directed various departments to urgently utilise the allocated funds, PTI report stated.
The issue was discussed in detail at a cabinet meeting held at the Chief Minister’s Office, with a focus on expediting projects primarily under the Health and Rural Development Departments, state government spokesperson and minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs K.G. Kenye told a section of mediapersons.
Of the total Rs.1,200 crore allocated to the state, around Rs.500 crore remains unutilised, creating concerns about the state losing access to this crucial funding. “It’s a huge amount for us,” Kenye remarked, explaining that although substantial funds have been allocated, slow progress in project execution has left a significant amount unspent.
The delays were most evident in infrastructure projects under the Health department, particularly the construction of wellness centres in rural areas, he said. He also said that many medical centres currently operate in rented or private spaces, prompting the government to coordinate with local village councils and district officers.
Kenye stressed that funds are also vital for converting older medical centres into wellness facilities and procuring medical equipment for rural areas. While financial difficulties have impacted progress, particularly in paying grassroots workers, Kenye noted that some challenges have been addressed by diverting funds for salaries—a move permissible under central guidelines.
He further said that the Urban Development Department faces challenges due to the recent formation of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), which were reconstituted last year after a gap of two decades. The newly formed ULBs were now tasked with implementing various pending projects. “The government is working with them on a ‘war footing’ to ensure these works are completed swiftly,” Kenye added.
The cabinet also addressed matters related to directorates, including personnel re-engagement, extensions, and regularisation. Additionally, he said the council of ministers approved the long-pending recognition of Anato village in Niuland district, which had been awaiting approval for around eight years.
Optimistic about Centre, ENPO efforts to form FNT: Nagaland government expressed optimism on Wednesday that the Centre and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) will make sincere efforts to resolve the demand for the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), comprising six eastern districts of the state.
ENPO, which has long advocated for a separate state, recently announced its “temporary” acceptance of the Centre’s proposal for a mechanism to grant the region a certain level of autonomy.
Kenye said the matter is “progressing well” and expressed hope for sincerity and reasonableness from both sides. “All that we aspire for may not be given at one go, but we are optimistic about reaching a resolution,” Kenye told reporters in Kohima.
He added that the Centre and ENPO may require additional time to deliberate on the issues raised during the January 15 meeting held at Chümoukedima.
Kenye confirmed that the state government has reviewed the MHA’s proposals, which align with the broader aspirations of the ENPO. While details of the proposals were not disclosed, Kenye said the MHA has shortlisted some demands for further discussion. The minister said that the state government was also in touch with the other territorial councils like Bodoland in neighbouring Assam as to how they are managing their systems.
“However, Nagaland is a little different from those councils. And the ENPO has stated several times that they do not want the proposed FNT to come under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution,” he said.
Kenye highlighted ENPO’s preference to retain Article 371A, a special Constitutional provision for Nagaland, and their desire to revert to a governance system similar to the regional council model that existed between 1964 and 1974.
Although replicating that model exactly is not feasible due to changing times, Kenye, however, said discussions were centered on similar arrangement.
According to PTI, Kenye emphasized the importance of frequent discussions to expedite the resolution process. While no date has been set for the next meeting, he expressed the government’s commitment to finalizing the matter swiftly.
Govt pushes for review of FMR, PAP policies: State government on Wednesday reiterated its demand to the Centre to review its decision on the 10 km Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border and the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP).
Interacting with reporters, minister and government spokesperson K G Kenye expressed the state’s objection to the new FMR restrictions, which limit movement to a 10 km radius along the border, instead of the previous 16 km.
“While we respect the government’s security concerns, we believe that Nagaland’s situation is unique and requires a different approach,” he said.
He added that the state has not yet received any official response from the Centre regarding its request for a review.
Highlighting the unique historical and political context of Nagaland, Kenye stressed that the state’s concerns should be considered in light of its distinct history and people.
“Nagaland is the political nerve centre of the entire North East, and it serves as an epicentre for many aspects of life for the states and people in this region,” he explained.
“While we empathise with neighbouring states, Nagaland’s history and concerns must be understood and addressed accordingly,” he added.
Kenye pointed out that Delhi is well aware of the region’s historical context, particularly in the socio-political sense. “We feel for the other regions around us, but Nagaland’s situation is a completely different story. We hope the Centre will take our sentiments into account and not dismiss them outright,” he said.
On the re-imposition of PAP, Kenye said the state government had previously written to the Centre, urging them not to impose it.
PAP, which had been in place for foreign nationals in Nagaland and other northeastern states since the 1960s as a security measure, was officially revoked on December 1, 2021.
This allowed foreign nationals easier access to these states without the need for permits. However, in December 2024, the MHA re-imposed PAP in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, due to ongoing security concerns.
He pointed out that the Hornbill Festival, a significant tourist event, could be adversely affected by such restrictions, potentially diminishing the inflow of international tourists.
Kenye emphasised that while security threats are acknowledged, the government should adopt an optimistic approach, avoiding further isolation of a particular region.
He argued that fostering people-to-people contact is essential for the development of the region and the nation as a whole.
Sunday, July 27, 2025