Nagaland Chief Minister Celebrates Presidential Approval of FNTA Bill
Significant Development for Eastern Nagaland
File image of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio (Photo: Meta)
Kohima, Oct 26: Neiphiu Rio, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, expressed his gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for approving the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill. This legislation aims to establish an autonomous administrative framework for six districts in the eastern part of the state.
In a post shared on social media, Rio highlighted that the President's approval represents a crucial advancement in meeting the aspirations of the Eastern Nagaland populace. He also acknowledged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for its role in facilitating this process.
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, who leads the BJP Legislature Party, welcomed this development, calling it a historic achievement for the region.
The President's endorsement comes after a tripartite memorandum of agreement was signed on February 5 by the central government, the Nagaland state government, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), which represents eight recognized Naga tribes in the area.
This agreement aims to fulfill the long-standing demand for increased autonomy in Eastern Nagaland while ensuring the region remains part of Nagaland. The FNTA Bill was unanimously approved by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on September 3.
The newly proposed authority is designed to enhance decentralized governance and promote development in the districts of Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, and Shamator.
Under this arrangement, powers related to 46 subjects will be transferred to the FNTA, with the goal of addressing developmental inequalities and fostering greater local involvement in decision-making processes.
Since 2010, the ENPO has been advocating for a separate state, citing neglect and ongoing developmental challenges in the eastern districts.
Officials noted that the FNTA framework serves as an alternative solution to tackle these issues through decentralized governance and focused development initiatives.
With the presidential approval now in place, the Nagaland government is anticipated to commence the implementation phase, according to officials.