The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) has announced that the Indian government has agreed “in principle” to a special arrangement for the six eastern districts of Nagaland. This new area will be known as the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), which is intended to give financial, executive, and legislative independence to the local people.
ENPO president Chingmak Chang spoke to the media after a long six-hour meeting at the Chumoukedima police complex. He emphasized that they will not sign any agreements without proper autonomy. “They didn’t give us anything in writing, but we discussed everything in detail,” he said. The meeting included central government officials led by AK Mishra and representatives from the state government.
Historically, the ENPO’s demand was for a separate state, but the Indian government offered the FNT instead. Chang expressed hope that the government is serious about finding a solution that will be acceptable and honorable for the ENPO.
Although they didn’t reach a conclusion today, Chang noted that they are hopeful for the next round of talks to happen soon. They also asked for a separate unit of central forces to help with unemployment in the ENPO areas and for improvements to local village guards.
The ENPO wants to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territory, which will include the six districts of Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang. These areas are home to seven lesser-known tribes: Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Tikhir, Sangtam, and Yimkhiung.
Last October, the Nagaland cabinet accepted a proposal to create a Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority (FNTA). Although the ENPO initially called for a boycott of the Assembly elections in February 2023, they later withdrew it after receiving an assurance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Out of the 60 Assembly seats, 20 are found in the six districts in question.
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