ENPO Temporarily Accepts Centre’s Proposal for Frontier Nagaland Territory
- Posted on December 18, 2024
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
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The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has temporarily accepted the Centre’s proposal for creating the Frontier Nagaland Territory, an autonomous entity within Nagaland. This arrangement, under Article 371A, aims to address development gaps in six eastern districts. Talks are ongoing, with finalization expected by mid-2025.
In a significant development, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has temporarily agreed to the Centre’s proposal for creating the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) within Nagaland. This decision marks a step towards granting greater autonomy to the six eastern districts of the state—Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator.
The ENPO has been advocating for a separate state, Frontier Nagaland, since 2010, citing development disparities and socio-political neglect. However, the proposed FNT will not constitute a separate state or Union Territory but will operate as a unique autonomous mechanism under the Indian Constitution’s Article 371A.
Talks, spearheaded by union home secretary Govind Mohan, Nagaland chief secretary J Alam, and ENPO president A Chingmak Chang, resulted in a provisional acceptance of the Centre’s proposal. Despite agreeing to this arrangement, ENPO reiterated its demand for full statehood during the discussions.
The proposed FNT aims to address critical development gaps by establishing a mini-secretariat in the region and granting executive, legislative, and financial powers to the council. However, significant administrative functions will remain centralized in Kohima.
Officials anticipate a final agreement by mid-2025 following further rounds of dialogue. The next round of tripartite talks is slated for January 2025 to resolve pending issues.
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The ENPO has called the current progress a “significant step forward,” emphasizing its commitment to improving the socio-economic landscape of eastern Nagaland while ensuring peace and development in the region.
