Nagaland Cabinet To Create Territorial Authority For 6 Eastern Districts

Kohima: Nagaland Cabinet on Wednesday decided to accept proposal for granting special powers in fulfilment of long pending demand of Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) in form of Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority (FNTA).

state Cabinet on Wednesday thoroughly deliberated on pending demand of ENPO, an apex body of six districts in eastern region of state occupied by eight tribes – Chang, Konyak, Phom, Tikhir, Sangtam, Yimkhiung, Khiamniungan and also a section of Sema tribe, for creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory.

Stating that Eastern Nagaland areas have been neglected in all sectors since creation of Nagaland state, ENPO has been demanding statehood since 2010 and holding direct dialogue with Central government.

Centre included state government in negotiation process making it a tripartite talk with ENPO.

Pressing for its demand, ENPO boycotted Lok Sabha and Urban Local Body polls this year.

Government spokesperson and Cabinet Minister, C L John told PTI that during day’s meeting, Cabinet decided that state government would soon respond to proposals of Centre on ENPO demand, which was forwarded to state by Ministry of Home Affairs before Lok Sabha polls.

While matter has been delayed for quite some time due to election schedules, he said, now government would be sending its comments at earliest.

Minister John said that as per basic principle, ENPO areas would be granted FNTA and y will continue to remain under Nagaland along with Article 371(A) of Constitution of India, which grants special privileges to state.

During day’s meeting, government spokesperson said cabinet also discussed reported encroachments along Disputed Area Belt (DAB) by neighbouring Assam and expressed strong resentment.

Cabinet decided to approach Centre and Assam government in this regard, minister said. 

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