Kohima, September 3 (MExN): The Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill, 2026 came into focus on the second day of the Ninth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday, with 12 members participating in the discussion and backing the new administrative arrangement for Eastern Nagaland.
Opening the discussion, Minister for Housing and Mechanical Engineering P Bashangmongba Chang described the formation of the FNTA as a landmark moment for Nagaland, crediting the Government of India, the State government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) for bringing the arrangement into being.
He said the FNTA was the outcome of a "collective and joint effort" based on shared commitment between the Centre, State and ENPO. He added that the process had been peaceful and rooted in democratic and constitutional processes.
Chang said the government now had the responsibility of ushering in prosperity and development in the ENPO region. He also pointed to Eastern Nagaland’s strategic location, describing it as a gateway for the Government of India’s Look East Policy and said the new arrangement could open fresh opportunities for the region.
Advisor for Information Technology & Communications, Economics & Statistics and Evaluation Sethrongkyu said the people of Eastern Nagaland, represented by the ENPO, had pursued their aspirations for more than a decade, culminating in the demand for an FNTA comprising Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator districts.
He expressed confidence that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the arrangement would translate into "tangible outcomes" and open a new chapter of development, progress and empowerment in Eastern Nagaland.
Sethrongkyu, speaking on behalf of the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU), placed on record appreciation to Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and his Cabinet colleagues for their support towards the aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland. He also acknowledged the role of tribal bodies, student organisations, churches and civil society groups.
Clarifying the nature of the arrangement, he said the FNTA "does not represent a separation from the State of Nagaland" but remains an integral part of Nagaland.
He also referred to the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on February 5, 2026 between the Government of India and the ENPO for constitution of the FNTA within Nagaland, describing it as a new foundation for the progress of Eastern Nagaland and the State as a whole.
MLA Nyamnyei Konyak called for cooperation between the State government, Central government and the people of the ENPO region for effective functioning of the FNTA. He said sustainable development would require all stakeholders to move forward together.
Advisor P Longon welcomed the agreement for creation of the FNTA and thanked the Chief Minister, the 60 members of the Assembly, ENPO and other stakeholders for their contributions.
Longon said the Central government had adopted a "progressive and positive approach" towards the aspirations of Eastern Nagaland. However, he said the creation of the FNTA marked the beginning of a process and not its conclusion.
"The journey is yet to begin," Longon said, calling on ENPO and other stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that the new institution effectively addresses the concerns and aspirations of the people.
Advisor A Pongshi Phom also expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton for facilitating the FNTA Bill. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the agreement paving the way for the authority.
Phom said the FNTA represented the "dream and aspirations" of the people of Eastern Nagaland and expressed hope that the hardships faced by the region over the years would be addressed through the new institutional mechanism.
Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along described the Assembly discussion as a historic occasion and congratulated the people of the six eastern districts.
Along said the demand for a separate administrative arrangement had been raised with the Government of India more than a decade ago and that the Bill’s arrival in the Assembly marked a significant development.
He supported the FNTA as a platform to accelerate development and fulfil the aspirations of Eastern Nagaland, while calling for unity and cautioning against divisions.
Advisor for School Education Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome said the FNTA should be viewed as an opportunity to "rethink and redesign" the State’s approach to development, governance and resource management.
He said the arrangement should not be seen merely as a political or administrative exercise but as an opportunity to address developmental deprivation and create better opportunities.
Yhome stressed the importance of financial, human and natural resources, urging legislators, administrative heads and departments to improve financial management, compliance and utilisation of available funds. He said Nagaland must strengthen its systems to ensure sanctioned resources do not lapse.
He also called for greater investment in education, healthcare, roads, banking and other infrastructure, particularly in areas facing developmental deficits. Better management of government manpower and resources was also necessary, he said.
Advisor for Youth Resource & Sports S Keoshu Yimchunger described the February 2026 MoA between the Centre, State government and ENPO as the "soul" of the FNTA Bill.
He said the FNTA was a special arrangement intended to promote development in the six districts through improved roads, schools, healthcare, employment opportunities and infrastructure. Yimchunger also said the arrangement would not divide Nagaland but strengthen unity through balanced development.
MLA Dr Sukhato A Sema said the FNTA could promote more equitable distribution of resources, balanced regional development and address long-standing developmental needs of Eastern Nagaland.
MLA Ar Jwenga Seb, Advisor Z Nyusietho Nyuthe and Advisor Achumbemo Kikon also participated in the discussion and congratulated the people of Eastern Nagaland on the development.
