ENPO accuses Nagaland government of diluting FNTA agreement and urges immediate implementation without altering key provisions
Share
DIMAPUR — A fresh controversy has erupted over the implementation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) agreement, with the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) accusing Nagaland government of attempting to dilute the core provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed earlier this year.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the ENPO expressed concern over what it described as the state government's "U-turn" on the February 5, 2026 MoA, which provides for the creation of the FNTA as a unique self-governing territorial authority with legislative, executive and financial autonomy within Nagaland.
According to the organisation, these provisions form the foundation of the agreement and any deletion or modification after the signing would amount to dismantling the very essence of the MoA.
The ENPO alleged that the state government was now attempting to distance itself from positions it had earlier endorsed during consultations on the proposed Frontier Nagaland arrangement.
It claimed that the government had, in its comments on the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2023, agreed in principle to granting legislative, executive and financial autonomy to the proposed authority.
Also read: ENPO to hold CEC meeting on June 3
ENPO urges Rio to retain MoA provisions in FNTA Bill
The organisation claimed that the government's apparent reversal raised serious questions about its sincerity as a party to the tripartite process involving the Centre, the state government and the ENPO.
Taking exception to objections reportedly raised after the signing of the MoA, the ENPO termed the move a lack of seriousness and a betrayal of the aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland.
It also questioned how legal concerns could surface only after the agreement had been finalised following nearly three years of negotiations, arguing that any failure to adequately consult legal authorities during that period could not be used as grounds to delay or obstruct implementation of the agreement.
The ENPO further criticised what it described as attempts by the state government to shift responsibility to the Centre by deviating from the signed agreement.
It cautioned that if the central government were compelled to pursue alternative mechanisms to implement the FNTA arrangement, the state government would bear responsibility for any adverse consequences.
Calling for clarity and commitment, the organisation urged the government to honour the agreement in both letter and spirit and facilitate its smooth implementation for the peace, development and welfare of the people of Eastern Nagaland.
The ENPO also recalled that the FNTA agreement was signed in New Delhi on February 5 in the presence of the Union Home Minister, the Union Home Secretary, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and members of his Cabinet, describing the event as the culmination of the negotiation process.
Reiterating its demand, the organisation called on the state government to table and pass the FNTA Bill in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly without diluting any provision of the signed MoA, maintaining that the arrangement was intended to address the longstanding developmental and governance concerns of the people of Eastern Nagaland.