Union Home Minister Amit, Nagaland CM Dr Neiphiu Rio and ENPO leaders during the signing of the MoA on FNTA in New Delhi on February 5. (PIB Photo)
FNTA MoA - At a glance
• FNTA ‘within’ Nagaland in six districts
• 46 subjects to be devolved to the FNTA
• Mini-Secretariat headed by Additional CS/Principal Secretary
• Development outlay for the Eastern Nagaland
• Agreement “whatsoever” does not affect Article 371(A)
• GoI to will assist in development
• MHA to provide initial establishment expenditure
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 5
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed in New Delhi on February 5 between the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland and the representatives of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), paving the way for the formation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for six districts of the State.
The FNTA will cover Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator districts.
Under the agreement, powers relating to 46 subjects will be devolved to the Authority, aimed at strengthening decentralised governance and accelerating development in Eastern Nagaland.
Among others, the agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Union Home Secretary, Nagaland Deputy CM Y Patton and State Government officials led by the Chief Secretary, and the ENPO leadership headed by its President were present at the signing.
Key provisions and Art 371 (A) safeguard
The agreement, among others, provides for mini-Secretariat for FNTA, headed by Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary, informed a statement issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after the signing.
There will also be devolution of powers in respect of 46 Subjects to the FNTA.
It also included sharing of development outlay for the Eastern Nagaland region proportional to population and area.
However, the agreement “does not affect in any manner whatsoever,” the provisions of Article 371(A) of Constitution of India, it clarified.
This unique arrangement envisages overall development of Eastern Nagaland through financial autonomy, enhanced decision-making leading to accelerated infrastructure development, economic empowerment and optimum resource utilisation, it added.
The Agreement depicts the Government of India’s commitment to resolve all contentious issues through dialogue to meet genuine aspirations of the people of North East, the MHA said.
It proves basic tenet of the democracy that solutions could only be achieve through negotiations based on mutual respect and dialogue instead of violence and armed conflict, it added.
Significant day for a dispute-free North East: Shah
Meanwhile, addressing the occasion, Shah said the agreement marked “a very significant day for a dispute-free North East,” adding that the Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to resolving all disputes through dialogue and democratic processes.
He stated that while earlier governments had signed agreements, the present government focuses on implementing them “in letter and spirit.”
Shah said that in 2021–22 he had assured ENPO representatives that the Modi-led government was committed to resolving all disputes and urged them to place faith in the democratic process.
He said he felt immense satisfaction that, following sustained efforts by the MHA to bridge differences between ENPO and the Nagaland Government, the issue has now been resolved.
Shah also assured the representatives of ENPO that the Government of India will assist in the development of Eastern Nagaland and also will shoulder its responsibility.
Every year, a fixed amount will be decided, and the MHA will also provide the initial expenditure for establishment, he added.
Shah said the ENPO region is of strategic importance and acknowledged the long-standing sense of injustice felt by the people of Eastern Nagaland.
Thanking CM Rio, the State Cabinet and MPs for their role, he said the agreement marks the resolution of a long-pending issue and would remove obstacles to the development of Eastern Nagaland, reflecting the Government’s commitment to addressing genuine aspirations through dialogue
As per reports, he also noted that barring one or two points, all issues have been sorted.
The MoA envisages overall development of Eastern Nagaland through financial autonomy, enhanced decision-making, accelerated infrastructure development and optimum utilisation of resources, the MHA statement added.
