Dimapur, Oct 31: The Nagaland government has reaffirmed its commitment to continue discussions on the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) — a long-standing demand of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) — while emphasizing that the initiative must operate within the framework of Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
The FNTA represents a long-pending demand of the people of Eastern Nagaland, who have sought a separate administrative arrangement, citing deprivation and uneven development compared to other regions of the state.
Speaking to reporters, government spokesperson and minister K.G. Kenye said the FNTA talks have entered a “new and delicate phase,” requiring “utmost coordination and understanding” among all stakeholders, including the ENPO and the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU).
“It has been a year since we clarified that this cannot remain a bilateral dialogue between the ENPO and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The process must be trilateral, involving the state government as well,” he said.
The minister said the state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, regards the FNTA issue as one concerning Nagaland’s geopolitical territory, adding that every citizen has the right to stay informed.
He noted that the government has extensively consulted public representatives and organisations to prepare recommendations that both sides could accept once the FNTA is established.
Clarifying the government’s stance, Kenye emphasized that the FNTA would not become a Union Territory, a Sixth Schedule area, or a revival of the 1960s Regional Council.
