NEW DELHI, FEB 5:In a significant step towards lasting peace and development in the Northeast, the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland and representatives of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) on Wednesday signed a historic agreement paving the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for six eastern districts of the state.
The agreement, signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, will facilitate the devolution of powers related to 46 subjects to the proposed FNTA, covering the districts of Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator.
Addressing the occasion, Shah described the pact as another milestone in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a peaceful, dispute-free and prosperous Northeast. He said the Modi government remains committed to resolving long-standing issues through dialogue and implementation, not merely agreements on paper.
“Since 2019, the government has signed 12 major agreements in the Northeast. Unlike earlier regimes, these are being implemented in letter and spirit,” Shah said.
The Home Minister assured ENPO representatives that the Centre would fully support the development of Eastern Nagaland. He said a fixed annual financial allocation would be provided, while the Union Ministry of Home Affairs would bear the initial establishment expenditure of the FNTA.
Shah said the agreement marked the resolution of a long-standing grievance of the people of Eastern Nagaland, who had for decades felt a lack of equitable development since the formation of the state. He credited sustained engagement between the Centre, the Nagaland government and ENPO for bringing the negotiations to a successful conclusion.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed the agreement and thanked the Centre for addressing the aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland through a mutually acceptable framework.
The agreement provides for the establishment of a mini-secretariat for the FNTA, headed by an Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary, and a sharing of development outlay for the region in proportion to population and area. The arrangement, however, does not affect the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
Officials said the FNTA framework is aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, enhancing financial autonomy, improving governance and ensuring optimal utilisation of resources in Eastern Nagaland.
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, members of the Nagaland Cabinet, MPs from the state, senior officials of the Union Home Ministry and the Nagaland government were present at the signing ceremony.
