Nagaland’s ENPO Suspends Statehood Demand, Embraces Centre’s Autonomy Offer for Eastern Districts
The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) has taken a pivotal step in its long-standing quest for separate statehood by announcing a temporary narrowing of its demands. This decision follows the Centre’s offer of a degree of autonomy for six districts in eastern Nagaland. The ENPO expressed its compelled acceptance of this proposal, highlighting the need for federal support due to ongoing challenges facing these regions.
In communication with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ENPO articulated its position on the draft memorandum of settlement, responding to observations made by the Nagaland government. Since Nagaland’s establishment in 1963, the ENPO argues that the eastern districts have suffered substantial neglect across various sectors. The organization has been advocating for the creation of a Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) since 2010, encompassing the districts of Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang.
While reinforcing its demand for a separate state, the ENPO indicated its willingness to temporarily adjust its stance. “We are compelled to narrow down our demands, considering the Government of India’s response; however, this concession is contingent upon a review of the FNT arrangements in ten years,” an ENPO representative stated. The organization insists on maintaining robust executive, legislative, and financial autonomy under the FNT, asserting that their implementation must adhere to the fundamental principles outlined in the legislative framework.
Key to the ENPO’s proposal is the demand for the establishment of a permanent high court in Nagaland, complete with a bench in the FNT, alongside increased allocations from the Consolidated Fund of India. To address fiscal gaps and promote development, they urged the Centre to enable the state government to legislate under Article 371A, granting specific powers to local entities.
The ENPO also called for additional parliamentary representation in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in light of the upcoming delimitation, advocating for a power-sharing framework that respects fundamental governance principles. This structure would allow both the legislative assembly of Frontier Nagaland and an eastern Nagaland legislative unit to operate within a decentralized planning and execution system.
Further emphasizing community welfare, the ENPO highlighted the urgent need to modernize the village guard organization, which includes improved salaries and honorariums for its members. This initiative is seen as essential to the FNT arrangement and the broader goal of regional progress.
The process leading to the proposed Frontier Nagaland Territory Agreement (FNTA) included state government involvement. ENPO noted that the state had accepted and submitted its response as a third party in the tripartite discussions by November 2024.
With a consistent claim of being sidelined, the ENPO has pursued separation from the existing Nagaland state since 2010. Their recent actions included a boycott of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and a decision not to participate in last year’s urban local body polls, reflecting their ongoing commitment to advocating for the rights and needs of eastern Nagaland’s residents.
As discussions continue, the ENPO remains steadfast in seeking a fair resolution that recognizes the unique challenges faced by their communities, aiming for a future that better aligns with their aspirations and governance needs.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/nagaland/story/nagaland-enpo-puts-statehood-demand-on-hold-accepts-centres-autonomy-offer-for-eastern-districts-1206996-2025-04-30?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-04-30 20:23:00
