DIMAPUR — The recent tripartite talks on Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT)
demand held in New Delhi witnessed significant progress, according to the
Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), even as “some unresolved issues”
remain.
A press
release on Monday informed that the meeting was held on December 13 as per the
discussion held between ENPO and the MHA committee and at the directive of
Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“During the
tripartite meeting, the ENPO delegation made its unwavering stand very clear
that the demand of the people of eastern Nagaland is for a separate statehood,
‘Frontier Nagaland.’ However, the ENPO, having considered the difficulties of
the government of India at the present juncture, had decided to temporarily
accept the offer of the GoI for FNT, a unique arrangement with executive,
legislative, and financial autonomy.
“The
meeting witnessed a significant progress and had decided to have next round of
tripartite meeting very soon, by the second week of January 2025, to deliberate
over some unresolved issues,” it stated.
The Centre
was represented by Union Home Secretary Govin Mohan, Chief of Intelligent
Bureau Tapan Kumar Deka, Advisor North East Incharge AK Mishra, Joint Director
(IB) Rajesh Kumble, and Consultant (NE) AK Dhyani, while Nagaland government’s
representatives were Chief Secretary J Alam, Addl. Chief Secretary and Finance
Commissioner Senti Yanger, CEO Nagaland and Home Commissioner Vyasan R,
Commissioner and Secretary of Law and Justice K Kikheto Sema, Commissioner
Nagaland Anden Konyak, and Commissioner Secretary to the Chief Minister Kesonyu
Yhome.
The ENPO
delegation included president Chingmak Chang, vice presidents Shahsha L Phom
and Z Throngshe Yimchunger, general secretary Honang Konyak, finance secretary
Khehoto Sumi, former MP (LS) K Asungba Sangtam, former minister P Pongom
Khiamniungan, former ENPO president R Tsapikiu Sangtam, KU president Tingtok
Konyak, and USLP president K Aliba Sangtam.
The ENPO
expressed optimism that the Centre, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will
not fail in fulfilling the proposed offer of FNT in the interest of the people
of eastern Nagaland. It further expressed confidence that Union Home Minister
Amit Shah and Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio “will honour the statement
declared on 20th February 2023 at Mon town and on 21st February 2023 at
Tuensang town that once the NDPP-BJP government comes to power, ENPO issues
will be materialised with full cooperation from the state government.”
“Meanwhile,
ENPO thanks the state government for giving its comments as required by the GoI
over the highlights of the MoS Draft on FNT, which paved a way for the progress
of the tripartite meeting held on 13th Dec' 2024 at New Delhi.
“The ENPO
in particular expressed deep appreciation to the MHA committee led by AK Mishra
for their utmost sincerity and commitment to fulfil the aspirations of the
people of eastern Nagaland without further delay,” it added.
