Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | February 11
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on February 11 described the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) agreement as a significant and carefully negotiated outcome, stating that the draft was examined in detail before being finalised in New Delhi.
Addressing party workers at the NPF Central Headquarters reception in Chümoukedima, Rio recounted that the visit to Delhi was advanced at the request of the Union Home Minister to resolve the long-pending demand of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO).
He said that prior to departure, the State Cabinet and the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) deliberated on the matter to ensure a collective position. In Delhi, the delegation first met the Union Home Secretary and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, where the draft agreement was scrutinised clause by clause and aligned with the Cabinet’s decision.
According to Rio, ENPO representatives were also present during the discussions. Once the draft was reconciled and agreed upon, the agreement was signed.
He further informed that the financial component of the autonomous arrangement would be borne under the Union Home Ministry’s budget, ensuring that it would not adversely affect Nagaland’s regular budgetary share.
Rio maintained that the agreement marks an important step forward for the eastern districts and for Nagaland as a whole, but emphasised that the process will continue within constitutional and legislative frameworks.
The agreement, he said, will be placed before the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, enacted through a State Act, and thereafter implemented in accordance with the provisions agreed upon.
Calling for unity in implementing the arrangement, Rio urged all sections of society to support the FNTA framework as part of the broader effort to strengthen development, inclusion and stability in the State.
Later speaking with the media on the sideline of the reception, CM informed that the FNTA matter would be taken up during the upcoming NLA Budget session starting March 2.
He said the Assembly would pass a State Act to facilitate the formation of the interim arrangement, clarifying that it would not be a Parliament Act.
“The interim will be for one year. And after that, elections will be held,” CM Rio added.
