Revised FNTA Bill returns to Nagaland Assembly on September 1, with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio hoping for passage September 3
KOHIMA — The revised Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill is set to return to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) when the ninth session of the 14th Assembly begins on September 1, with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressing hope that the legislation will be passed on September 3.
The two-day session, with September 2 as a recess day, is expected to closely focus on the revised legislation, which seeks to give effect to the agreement between the Centre, state government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) for the creation of the FNTA.
Rio had said last week that the Bill would be tabled on the first day of the session and expressed hope that it would be passed on September 3. The legislation had earlier been deferred amid concerns over the proposed conferment of legislative powers on the FNTA.
The revised Bill follows discussions between the state government, ENPO and legislators from Eastern Nagaland to address legal and constitutional concerns surrounding the proposed authority.
The earlier legislation was deferred after the Ministry of Home Affairs sought more time to examine the proposal to confer legislative powers on the FNTA. The state government subsequently sought legal opinion and worked on a revised arrangement in consultation with the ENPO and Eastern Nagaland legislators.
Also read: FNTA Bill to be tabled Sept. 1, likely passage on Sept. 3 — Rio
Rio had said the revised proposal was discussed with ENPO representatives, who agreed to the points, following which the matter was communicated to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The passage of the Bill will be closely watched in view of the Memorandum of Agreement signed on February 5, 2026, between the government of India, government of Nagaland and the ENPO for the creation of the FNTA.
Issues relating to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) are also expected to come up during the session.
According to the provisional programme of business issued by the NLA Secretariat, the first day will begin with obituary references, followed by questions, reporting on assent to Bills and introduction of government Bills.
The House will also take up government resolutions, if any, statements by ministers under Rule 55, presentation of annual administrative reports, reports, rules and regulations, and Assembly committee reports. Discussion on matters of urgent public importance, if any, is also listed.
On September 3, the House will take up questions, introduction of government Bills and presentation of Comptroller and Auditor General reports. The agenda includes consideration and passing of government Bills, consideration and adoption of government resolutions, discussions on matters of urgent public importance and unfinished business before the session is adjourned sine die.
NSF protest over Vande Mataram
Meanwhile, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has announced a peaceful demonstration on September 1, demanding that the NLA adopt a strong resolution against what it described as the compulsory imposition of the revised Vande Mataram in government programmes and official functions.
In a mobilisation notice issued ahead of the Assembly session, the NSF called upon its federating units and subordinate bodies to depute 10 volunteers each for the demonstration and solidarity programme.
The volunteers have been asked to assemble at NSF Oking by 8.30 am, from where a solidarity march will proceed towards NLA Junction at the Secretariat for the demonstration.
The NSF said the programme was intended to reaffirm what it described as the collective voice of the Naga people in defence of freedom of conscience, religious liberty, constitutional safeguards and peaceful coexistence of communities.
The federation said the demonstration would remain peaceful, disciplined and democratic and appealed to its federating units and subordinate bodies to ensure timely mobilisation and participation.