Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 27
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has agreed to discuss the demands of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), an apex body of six Naga tribes, asking for a separate state under the Constitution, stated an article published by The Indian Express on December 27.
The ENPO’s ‘area’ consists of four eastern districts of Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire.
The report, filed by Rahul Tripathi in New Delhi, quoting officials further informed that a “tripartite dialogue was held between the ENPO, Nagaland government and MHA under the chairmanship of special secretary (internal security) last month.”
While the ‘Framework Agreement’, signed in August 3, 2015, is yet to be formalised, ‘six tribes from eastern Nagaland under the aegis of ENPO have stepped up the long-pending demand for separate statehood under the Constitution,’ it added.
It further stipulated that the “peace accord that was to be finalised with Naga groups will now have to wait with the Centre agreeing to discuss ENPO’s demand for a separate state.”
The demand for the separate statehood, “Frontier Nagaland” has gained momentum in recent years with the ENPO holding regular rallies demanding the same.
On June 12, rallies were held across the eastern districts of Nagaland. In the most recent public rally held in Tuensang Town on September 14, 2018 under the aegis of ENPO re-affirmed the demand for a separate statehood “Frontier Nagaland.”
It unanimously reaffirmed the resolution for a separate state demand as “adopted on August 24, 2012 and its continued stand on the same ‘Frontier Nagaland’ where a memorandum was submitted to the Government of India through the then Union Home Minister on December 6, 2010.”
It resolved that the entire public under the aegis of ENPO shall continue to firmly reject any form of economic package (s) both by the centre and the state “other than a separate assembly, separate administration, separate high court and capital of its own.”
The rally further resolved to outrightly reject the Minister of Home Affairs (MHA), GoI letter signed by the Joint Secretary, MHA to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland suggesting preparation of suitable district-wise project proposals for the development of Eastern Nagaland area.
Commenting on The Indian Express report, ENPO general secretary Manlang Phom told The Morung Express said the MHA had already accepted that the issue of “Frontier Nagaland” demand was a political one and has therefore put it up for political discussion.
The first round of talk was held on June, 2018 and another on November last. The political dialogue is being held under the Home Minister level.
On The Indian Express report quoting sources said that the “move may lead to division of State as the ENPO demands a “Frontier Nagaland,” the ENPO general secretary pointed out that it had made it clear to all concerned parties/groups that it would surrender its cause if it “hamper the Naga peace process in any way.”
“We have even intimidated the Government of India to inform us if there is any cause/reason that the demand is hindering or disturbing the Naga peace process,” the general secretary revealed. “We are willing to lay down our demand provided the GoI give us in official document that the demand for ‘Frontier Nagaland’ is disturbing the Naga peace process,” he stated.
The ENPO team is also learnt to have met with leaders of the different Naga Political Groups (NPGs) on the issue. “So far, there have been no objections from their side that its demand for a ‘Frontier Nagaland’ was hindering the Naga peace process,” he also stated.
The Indian Express report meanwhile quoting official sources said the “demand for a separate state may not be feasible but the government may consider giving them autonomous council authority, comprising the four eastern districts of Nagaland.”
