Kohima/New Delhi, Feb 5: In a landmark development, the Nagaland government on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Government of India and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) for the formation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) within the state of Nagaland.
Announcing the development through a series of posts on social media, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described the MoA as a “historic Agreement” and said it reflects the state government’s commitment to equitable and inclusive development across all regions of Nagaland.
“I am happy to announce that today, 5th Feb 2026, the Government of Nagaland signed the Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of India and the ENPO for the formation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority within the State of Nagaland,” Rio wrote.
The tripartite agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, senior central officials and representatives of the Nagaland government and ENPO. Rio expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for their “statesmanship and support” in bringing the agreement to fruition.
The Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) agreement предусматриes the establishment of a mini-secretariat headed by an Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary and provides for the sharing of development funds for Eastern Nagaland in proportion to its population and geographical area.
Government sources clarified that the arrangement does not dilute or alter Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.
The agreement aims to ensure holistic development of Eastern Nagaland by granting greater financial autonomy and enhanced decision-making powers, with a focus on faster infrastructure growth, economic empowerment, and efficient utilisation of resources.
Officials said the FNTA framework underscores the Government of India’s commitment to addressing long-standing issues in the Northeast through dialogue and consensus, reinforcing that democratic and negotiated solutions - not violence - remain the path to lasting peace and development.
The Chief Minister also thanked the Union Home Secretary, state government officials led by the Chief Secretary, and the ENPO leadership, including its president, for their cooperation in finalising the MoA.
According to the agreement, the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority will cover six eastern districts of Nagaland and will be vested with legislative, executive and financial powers aimed at accelerating development and addressing long-standing regional disparities. The MoA also provides for a review of the arrangement after 10 years.
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“It is my hope and belief that this Agreement reflects mutual trust, addresses the aspirations of eastern Nagaland and the state at large, and takes development to every doorstep,” Rio said, congratulating the “brothers and sisters of eastern Nagaland” on what he termed a landmark achievement.
“As one journey ends, another begins,” the Chief Minister said, assuring full cooperation in pursuing the collective aspirations of progress and development for all Naga tribes. He added that Nagaland looks forward to continued guidance and support from the Centre towards all-round development.
The signing of the FNTA agreement is being seen as a major step towards resolving long-pending demands of eastern Nagaland and strengthening peace, governance and development in the region.
