Nagaland Cabinet delegation led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) issue.
DIMAPUR — A Nagaland State Cabinet delegation led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on July 17 to discuss the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) issue.
The delegation included Deputy Chief Ministers T R Zeliang and Y Patton; Health and Family Welfare Minister P Paiwang Konyak; Environment, Forests & Climate Change and Village Guards Minister C L John; and Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges), Housing and Mechanical Engineering Minister Bashangmongba Chang.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at Dimapur Airport on Saturday, Y Patton said that the delegation held detailed discussions with the Union Home Minister, Union Home Secretary and other senior officials on the proposal to confer legislative powers on the FNTA.
He said the state government has presented its assessment and position to the Union Home Minister and his officials, regarding the delegation of legislative powers, which is the department transferred to the FNTA only.
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He said the Union Home Minister and senior officials had assured to examine the proposal and respond within a week or two.
On IED blast and Maova dispute
On the recent suspected IED blast at Chümoukedima-A village that killed an Assam Rifles personnel and injured four others, Patton said the state government has decided to hand over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Responding to questions on criticism leveled by the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) on the government's silence following its recent protest over the alleged non-recognition of traditional landowners and the state's handling of the ongoing land dispute involving Maova village, Patton said the Chief Minister and Cabinet ministers were in New Delhi.
He added the Cabinet would deliberate on the issue after its return to the state and declined to comment further, noting that no discussion has taken place.
On proposed oil exploration
When asked if the government of Nagaland would make the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), regarding the proposed joint oil exploration with Assam, public, he replied that the government would first hold consultations with civil society organisations before taking any decision on the matter.