Nagaland, Centre and ENPO sign historic MoA establishing Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, marking a major step toward inclusive regional development.
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Shah says Centre will extend all help
DIMAPUR — In a landmark political and administrative breakthrough, the Centre, Nagaland government and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) on Thursday signed a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), aimed at focused governance and development of eastern Nagaland.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described the agreement as a “historic Agreement”, saying that it reflects mutual trust and the collective resolve to address long-standing aspirations of eastern Nagaland while strengthening inclusive development across the state.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their “statesmanship and support” that led to the signing of the agreement.
The chief minister also thanked the Union home secretary, state government officials led by the chief secretary, and the ENPO led by its president for their cooperation in finalising the MoA.
“It is my hope & belief that this Agreement reflects mutual trust, addresses the aspirations of eastern Nagaland & the state at large, and reaches out to take development to every doorstep. I congratulate our brothers & sisters of eastern Nagaland on this landmark achievement,” Rio said.
As one journey ends, another begins, Rio said and assured of full cooperation towards collective aspirations of progress and development.
He added that all Naga tribes should celebrate the development and expressed gratitude to the government of India, saying that he hopes the Centre will continue to guide Nagaland towards all-round development.
The agreement provides for the formation of FNTA covering six eastern districts—Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Shamator.
According to a PTI report, Shah assured that the Centre would extend full support and fulfil its responsibilities for the development of eastern Nagaland, stating that initial expenses for setting up the authority would be borne by the Union ministry of Home Affairs and that annual funding would be decided and released in consultation with the state government.
“There should be no doubt about the commitment of the Centre and the state. This agreement is meant to bring justice and development to eastern Nagaland,” Shah said, recalling that ENPO had earlier threatened to boycott elections and that sustained dialogue had helped bridge differences.
He remarked that since 2019, the Centre has signed 12 major agreements in the Northeast, reiterating that the Narendra Modi-led government has a consistent record of implementing agreements entered into with various stakeholders.
The ENPO had been demanding a separate state since 2010, citing decades of neglect. The organisation later agreed to the Centre’s proposal for a territorial authority with enhanced autonomy under the FNTA framework, the report stated.
Home Secretary Govind Mohan said that the MoA would help conclude long-drawn negotiations and ensure that local aspirations of eastern Nagaland are met through institutionalised governance and development mechanisms.