Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio discusses FNTA implementation and PAP relaxation with Amit Shah, while seeking support for film Angh’s international campaign
DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and thanked him for his support in facilitating the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) process, following President Droupadi Murmu’s assent to the FNTA Bill 2026 on October 25.
In a post on X, Rio said he and Shah also discussed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime and key issues concerning Nagaland. He said Shah had assured him that the matter of PAP relaxation would be addressed.
The FNTA Bill was unanimously passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on September 3. It provides for the establishment of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority covering six eastern districts—Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Shamator—with powers over 46 subjects.
The FNTA process follows a Memorandum of Agreement signed on February 5, 2026, between the governments of India and Nagaland and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation. The legislation will come into force on a date appointed by the state government through a notification in the official gazette.
Also read: President Droupadi Murmu assents to FNTA Bill
Nagaland Cabinet renews appeal to Centre to lift PAP regime
Rio also met Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss support for ‘Angh’, which won the Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026. Rio said they discussed international promotion of the film and support for its Academy Awards campaign.
He further called on Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, with discussions focusing on institutional support for Angh and assistance to strengthen Nagaland’s creative sector. Rio said Oram had assured support for advancing the initiative.