Centre agrees 'in principle' to unique arrangement for Frontier Nagaland Territory

Kohima, Jan 16: The Government of India has agreed “in principle” to a unique arrangement granting financial, executive, and legislative autonomy to the proposed Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), according to the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO).

This development emerged after a six-hour meeting held at the Chumoukedima police complex between ENPO representatives, central government officials led by A.K. Mishra, Northeast adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs, and state government representatives led by additional chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen.

Speaking to the media, ENPO president Chingmak Chang emphasized that no document would be signed without ensuring full financial, executive, and legislative autonomy. “They did not give us anything in writing, but we have discussed all issues thoroughly,” Chang stated.

The first round of tripartite talks on the FNT issue took place in New Delhi on December 13 last year. ENPO had initially demanded separate statehood but accepted the Centre’s offer for the proposed FNT. “We hope the Government of India is serious and the solution will be acceptable and honorable to the ENPO,” Chang added.

The ENPO seeks the creation of the FNT, encompassing six eastern districts of Nagaland — Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang — which are home to seven backward tribes: Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Tikhir, Sangtam, and Yimkhiung.

Read: Assam-Meghalaya border talks to resume soon, says Meghalaya CM

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