Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 6
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that the state government is awaiting directives from the Government of India regarding the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill. Rio told the media on April 6, in Dimapur, that the bill was submitted as per the Memorandum of Agreement, but the Centre has not yet responded.
During discussions with the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO), the state proposed tabling the bill without the legislative component to avoid delays. However, the ENPO requested a deferral when no response arrived from the Centre. Rio said that since the state lacks the authority to delegate legislative powers to another body, the Government of India must provide the necessary guidance. The matter has been referred to the Solicitor General to address constitutional difficulties.
He said, “For us, we are very keen to pass it, that’s why we had gone ahead, but we were asked to wait till that legislative directive comes from them. We are waiting.”
Regarding the Nagaland Foothill Road, the state government has called a meeting for April 7. When asked about the decision by tribal bodies and Nagaland Foothills Road Coordination Committee to boycott the meeting, the Chief Minister declined to comment.
