New Delhi/Kohima, February 6: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday described the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the formation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) as a historic milestone towards equitable and inclusive development in the state.
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| Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the signing ceremony of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority agreement in New Delhi. (Image Credit: x.com/AmitShah) |
The MoA was signed in New Delhi between the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO). Addressing the programme, Rio said the agreement reflects the state government’s commitment to reaching all regions and ensuring balanced development across Nagaland.
The FNTA will cover six eastern districts - Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator- and provide for the devolution of powers over 46 subjects to the Authority, aimed at accelerating development and improving governance delivery in the region.
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Congratulating the people of Eastern Nagaland, the Chief Minister termed the agreement a significant achievement not only for the eastern region but for the entire Naga society. “All Naga tribes join you in celebration, as this is a victory for the whole Naga people,” he said, expressing hope that the MoA would foster mutual trust and take development to the doorsteps of citizens across the state.
Rio expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their statesmanship and support in finalising the agreement. He also acknowledged the role of the Union Home Secretary, state government officials led by the Chief Secretary, and the ENPO leadership for their cooperation.
Alongside the FNTA signing, Rio led a high-level delegation to New Delhi comprising Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton, members of the state Cabinet and members of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) sub-committee. The delegation met senior central leaders, including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
During meetings with the Centre, the Chief Minister raised key issues including the Indo-Naga peace process, restoration of Nagaland’s earlier financial pattern from the Consolidated Fund of India, relaxation of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime, and a review of revised Free Movement Regime (FMR) guidelines along the India–Myanmar border.
On the Indo-Naga peace talks, Rio reiterated the need to restore negotiations at the highest political level through the appointment of a political or ministerial-level interlocutor to expedite an early and honourable solution. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, according to officials, responded positively and indicated that a Minister of State for Home Affairs and senior officials would be appointed to take the talks forward.
Highlighting Nagaland’s fiscal challenges, Rio recalled that under the 16-Point Agreement, the Centre had committed to bearing the state’s administrative and development expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India. He appealed for restoration of this arrangement, which he termed a nation-building commitment. The Home and Finance Ministers assured positive consideration of the request.
On PAP and FMR, Rio stressed the hardships faced by the state and border communities, urging a more flexible and context-sensitive approach. The Union Home Minister assured that both issues would be positively examined.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the Centre would continue to guide and assist Nagaland in its pursuit of peace, stability and all-round development.
