Nagaland’s Quest for Self-Rule: BJP MLA Urges Inclusive Decision-Making on Frontier Issue

Nagaland to Engage Assembly on Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority

In a move to ensure transparency, BJP legislator Imkong L Imchen has urged the Nagaland state cabinet to engage all 60 members of the legislative assembly before making any final decision on the proposed Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority (FNTA). Imchen’s plea came during the general discussion on the state budget, stressing the importance of taking the assembly into confidence before moving forward.

According to sources, the state cabinet has already deliberated on the matter and submitted its comments on the third draft memorandum of settlement to the Union Home Ministry (MHA). However, Imchen emphasized that the FNTA discussions were still in their initial stages and that the issue should be thoroughly discussed within the House before a conclusive step is taken. This stand is likely to be met with resistance from the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), which has been advocating for a separate state since 2010.

In a statement, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio clarified that the FNTA discussions were ongoing and that no formal proposal had been placed before the MLAs. However, he assured that the assembly would be consulted at an appropriate time. This comes as the ENPO, which represents seven tribes across six districts, has "temporarily accepted" the Centre’s offer of Frontier Nagaland Territory, which proposes executive, legislative, and financial autonomy.

Sources close to the development revealed that the ENPO delegation had reiterated its unwavering demand for a separate Frontier Nagaland state during a recent tripartite meeting in New Delhi. The temporary acceptance of the FNTA proposal is seen as a strategic move to continue negotiations with the Centre. The proposed FNTA is expected to have far-reaching implications for the people of Nagaland, and it is crucial that all stakeholders are engaged in the decision-making process.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the state government and the ENPO will navigate these complex negotiations. One thing, however, is certain – the people of Nagaland deserve to have their voices heard, and it is only right that their representatives in the assembly are consulted on matters that affect their future.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/nagaland/story/nagaland-bjp-mla-urges-cabinet-to-involve-all-mlas-before-decision-on-frontier-nagaland-issue-1180831-2025-03-07?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-07 23:21:00