Highlights of FNTA
* Fixed annual outlay; Home Ministry to bear initial establishment cost
* Powers over 46 subjects to be devolved to FNTA
* Mini-secretariat to be headed by Addl. CS /Pr. Secy
* Development funds to be shared based on population and area
In a major development concerning Eastern Nagaland, a tripartite agreement (Memorandum of Agreement) was signed between the Government of India, Government of Nagaland and representatives of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) in New Delhi on Thursday for creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).
The agreement was signed in the presence of Union home minister Amit Shah and Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio. The FNTA will cover six eastern districts– Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator– and will have devolution of powers over 46 subjects, a government communiqué stated.
Addressing the gathering, Shah described the occasion as a significant step toward a “dispute-free Northeast,” in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a region free from insurgency, violence and disputes, and on the path of development. He said that about a decade ago, the region was marked by multiple armed groups, unrest and inter-state disputes that disturbed peace.
Shah said the Centre was committed to resolving every dispute through dialogue and noted that since 2019, the government had signed 12 important agreements in the Northeast. He maintained that while earlier governments signed accords, the present government ensured their implementation “in letter and spirit.”
Assuring ENPO representatives of full support, Shah said the Government of India would assist in the development of Eastern Nagaland and shoulder its responsibilities. He said a fixed annual financial outlay would be decided, and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs would also bear the initial establishment expenditure.
Recalling his interactions with ENPO leaders in 2021-22, Shah said they had been urged to maintain faith in the democratic process and were assured of justice and due respect.
He credited sustained efforts by MHA officials, who acted as a bridge between ENPO and the Nagaland government, for helping resolve the issue.
Highlighting the region’s strategic importance, Shah said people of Eastern Nagaland had long felt they were not receiving justice since the creation of Nagaland. He thanked Rio, his cabinet colleagues and the state’s Members of Parliament for taking the negotiations to a logical conclusion.
Shah said the agreement marked the end of a long-standing issue and removed obstacles in the path of development of Eastern Nagaland. He added that both the Government of India and the Government of Nagaland would jointly take forward development in the region. According to details of the pact, provisions include establishment of a mini-secretariat for FNTA headed by an Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary, and sharing of development outlay for the Eastern Nagaland region in proportion to its population and area. The agreement, however, does not affect provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
Describing the arrangement as a model of dialogue-based resolution, Shah said it reflected the government’s commitment to meeting genuine aspirations of the people through negotiations based on mutual respect rather than violence and conflict.
Deputy chief minister Y. Patton, other state ministers, and senior officials from the Union home ministry and the Nagaland government were also present.