Centre, Nagaland government and ENPO sign historic pact to devolve 46 subjects to Eastern Nagaland, paving the way for Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, regional autonomy, accelerated development, and long-term peace while safeguarding Article 371(A).
In a landmark move aimed at administrative empowerment and long-term peace in India’s Northeast, the Centre, the Nagaland government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) on Thursday signed a tripartite agreement in New Delhi to devolve substantial powers to Nagaland’s eastern region. Officials described the agreement as a historic step towards inclusive governance and balanced regional development.
The agreement provides for the devolution of powers over 46 subjects to six eastern districts of Nagaland—Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator. These districts will come under a newly proposed administrative body named the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), marking a major institutional reform in the state’s governance structure.
According to an official statement, the creation of FNTA will ensure greater administrative autonomy, improved decision-making at the local level, and faster implementation of development projects in Eastern Nagaland. The authority will function through a mini-Secretariat headed by an Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary, ensuring coordination with the state government while maintaining regional focus.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was present during the signing, described the day as a “very significant milestone” for a dispute-free and developed Northeast. He said the Prime Minister’s vision is to build a region free from insurgency, violence, and prolonged disputes, and the latest agreement is another step towards achieving that goal.
Reflecting on the past, Shah noted that more than a decade ago, the Northeast faced multiple armed conflicts and inter-state disputes that disrupted peace and threatened unity. He emphasized that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has adopted a comprehensive approach to resolve such issues through dialogue, trust-building, and firm implementation of agreements.
The Home Minister highlighted that since 2019, the Modi government has signed 12 major peace and development agreements in the Northeast. He stressed that unlike previous administrations, the present government ensures that agreements are not only signed but also implemented in letter and spirit.
Reassuring ENPO representatives, Shah stated that the Government of India is fully committed to the development of Eastern Nagaland and will shoulder its responsibilities. He announced that a fixed annual financial outlay would be decided, with the Ministry of Home Affairs providing initial funds for setting up the FNTA and its administrative infrastructure.
Shah recalled that during discussions with ENPO leaders in 2021–22, the Centre had urged them to maintain faith in the democratic process. He said the government had promised fair justice and due respect, and expressed satisfaction that those assurances have now translated into a concrete agreement.
Acknowledging the strategic importance of Eastern Nagaland, the Home Minister said the region’s people had long felt deprived of equitable development since the formation of the state. He credited Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his constructive approach, noting that the Chief Minister agreed to consider ENPO’s demands with openness and sensitivity.
Shah also praised the Nagaland cabinet, state Members of Parliament, and officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs for acting as a bridge between the Centre, the state government, and ENPO to bring negotiations to a successful conclusion. He described the pact as the resolution of a long-standing issue through cooperation and mutual respect.
| Also Read: Meghalaya Coal Mine Tragedy: ₹3 Lakh aid announced for victims |
Congratulating the people of Eastern Nagaland and the organisations under ENPO, Shah said the agreement removes major obstacles to the region’s development. He added that both the Centre and the Nagaland government will jointly steer future development initiatives to fulfil the genuine aspirations of the people.
Officials clarified that the agreement does not affect the constitutional safeguards provided under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India, ensuring that Nagaland’s special provisions remain fully protected.
