Eastern Nagaland’s Bold Decision: Embracing the Centre’s Empowering Autonomy Proposal in 6 Districts

The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), which has been advocating for a separate state from six eastern Nagaland districts, has agreed to a temporary compromise with the central government. The ENPO has accepted, for now, the government’s proposal to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), which would grant the region a degree of autonomy in executive, legislative, and financial matters. This decision was reached during a tripartite meeting held on December 13 in New Delhi, involving the Centre, state representatives, and ENPO officials.

Despite accepting the temporary arrangement, ENPO reiterated that the ultimate demand of the people of Eastern Nagaland remains the creation of a separate state, named ‘Frontier Nagaland.’ The organization noted its optimism that the central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will eventually deliver on its commitment to honor the proposed framework for FNT.

The ENPO has expressed confidence in Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to address the issues concerning the six districts—Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang—inhabited by tribes like the Chang, Konyak, Phom, Tikhir, Sangtam, Yimkhiung, Khiamniungan, and a fraction of the Sema population. The state Cabinet discussed the ENPO’s demand for the creation of FNT on October 30, recognizing the longstanding grievances of neglect in these regions since the formation of Nagaland in 1963.

ENPO began its demand for statehood in 2010, alleging systemic neglect. This year, the organization boycotted the Lok Sabha and Urban Local Body elections to push their agenda. Further discussions between the government and ENPO are scheduled for January to resolve outstanding issues. The ENPO hopes the central government remains committed to addressing the aspirations of eastern Nagaland’s people.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/nagaland/story/eastern-nagaland-temporarily-accepts-centres-autonomy-proposal-in-6-districts-1139706-2024-12-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-12-18 14:20:00