Tripartite pact inked to establish Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority

Kohima: In a significant political development, the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and representatives of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the formation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) within the state.

Describing the development as a historic milestone, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the agreement marks “a momentous day for the people of Nagaland” and a major step forward for the Northeast. Taking to X, Shah said the agreement reflects the Centre’s commitment to addressing long-standing aspirations in the region under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Northeast”.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced the signing of the agreement on February 5, stating that the MoA demonstrates the state government’s commitment to equitable and inclusive development across all regions of Nagaland. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their support and leadership in facilitating the agreement.

Rio also thanked the Union Home Secretary, state government officials led by the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, and the ENPO leadership for their cooperation in reaching the agreement. He expressed hope that the understanding would strengthen mutual trust, address the aspirations of Eastern Nagaland, and ensure development reaches every doorstep.

Calling it a landmark achievement, the Chief Minister congratulated the people of Eastern Nagaland and said the agreement marks the beginning of a new phase focused on collective progress and development. He added that the entire Naga society celebrates the achievement and reiterated the state government’s commitment to working together for inclusive growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Amit Shah said the agreement reflects the Centre’s continued efforts to resolve regional concerns in the Northeast through dialogue, referring to earlier initiatives addressing issues in areas such as the Bodo, Karbi and other parts of the Northeast region. He noted that during the recent general elections in Nagaland, when ENPO had initially refrained from participating in the electoral process, the Centre had assured that their concerns would be heard.

Shah acknowledged the role played by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and appreciated the cooperation between the ENPO and the Nagaland government in bringing the negotiations to a conclusion. He also announced that the Centre would extend continued support to Eastern Nagaland and provide a special package for the establishment of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority.

The Home Minister congratulated the people of Eastern Nagaland, expressing confidence that the agreement would pave the way for stability, development, and greater participation in the democratic process across the region.

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