The demand for a separate Frontier State of Nagaland by the conglomeration of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) representing six tribal groups—Chang, Konyak, Sangtam, Khiamniungan, Yimchungru and Phom communities—has come as cause of concern for the Nagas as a people and more so at a time when we need to look at convergence of ideas, agendas, identity, territory and not to forget a united solution to the Indo-Naga issue. The ENPO has already taken the matter up with the Government of India and the latter has sought the viewpoint of the State government. The present NPF led government has also done an appraisal of the demand made for a separate State by way of appointing various committees to look into the entire gamut of issues raised by the ENPO. Now as per the latest Cabinet decision, the State government has proposed setting up of an Autonomous Council for the ENPO areas under the provision of Article 371 (A).
On ENPO Frontier Nagaland Demand
This latest proposal would appear to be similar to the special status enjoyed under the erstwhile Tuensang area in which the administration was directly under the control of the Governor and even fund allocation was kept separate for this region. A regional council and even a Minister for Tuensang Affairs were the other unique features of this autonomy. Further no Act of the Legislature of Nagaland was to apply to Tuensang district unless the Governor, on the recommendation of the regional council, so directs. Off course this administrative arrangement did not endure for too long and the former Tuensang Mon area integrated with the rest of Nagaland. Creation of separate districts in subsequent years was part of the initiative to bring about inclusive development and also to provide space for tribal plurality.
Having said that, now that the State government has given its option, it will be important to see how the ENPO will itself respond to the proposal for autonomous council. Better sense should prevail upon the ENPO leaders so that any decision taken is not for short term gains but for the overall interest of the Naga people’s aspiration for peace, reconciliation and a common territorial and political entity. This column has already stated its position that the genuine grievances presented by the ENPO merits immediate attention and correction. However separation from present Nagaland is not the answer. Even the proposal for an autonomous council is not going to be enough if we fail to improve our governance. All of us are aware of the fact that the fruits of development have not reached the grass root. There is a big development gap and this is the core of the problem. While policies and programmes do exist, it is the ‘governance deficit’ which has contributed to the present grievances and alienation.
Rather than creating another costly and complicated structure of administration through an autonomous council, wouldn’t it be better if the Nagaland government can create a separate Ministry, similar to DoNER, which will deal exclusively for the ENPO areas under a Cabinet Minister from the region. This new department/ministry can become like a mini secretariat for administration of the ENPO areas but will come within the existing government system. Other creative solutions can be found including the possibility of each department having their cell within this new set up. Depending on the availability, officers from the ENPO region can be posted here. Development including contract and supply works can all be taken up from this new office. With the Indo-Naga political issue currently under dialogue and attempts to bring warring Naga groups to a common platform and understanding, for the moment, the ENPO should keep its demand for Frontier Nagaland in abeyance as Nagas need to converge and not work at cross purposes at this important juncture of our history. For now the ENPO along with the State government can look for creative solutions within the present Nagaland State. Even the prospect of increasing the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats by one each, which can be reserved for ENPO areas, could be explored with the Government of India.
On ENPO Frontier Nagaland Demand
This latest proposal would appear to be similar to the special status enjoyed under the erstwhile Tuensang area in which the administration was directly under the control of the Governor and even fund allocation was kept separate for this region. A regional council and even a Minister for Tuensang Affairs were the other unique features of this autonomy. Further no Act of the Legislature of Nagaland was to apply to Tuensang district unless the Governor, on the recommendation of the regional council, so directs. Off course this administrative arrangement did not endure for too long and the former Tuensang Mon area integrated with the rest of Nagaland. Creation of separate districts in subsequent years was part of the initiative to bring about inclusive development and also to provide space for tribal plurality.
Having said that, now that the State government has given its option, it will be important to see how the ENPO will itself respond to the proposal for autonomous council. Better sense should prevail upon the ENPO leaders so that any decision taken is not for short term gains but for the overall interest of the Naga people’s aspiration for peace, reconciliation and a common territorial and political entity. This column has already stated its position that the genuine grievances presented by the ENPO merits immediate attention and correction. However separation from present Nagaland is not the answer. Even the proposal for an autonomous council is not going to be enough if we fail to improve our governance. All of us are aware of the fact that the fruits of development have not reached the grass root. There is a big development gap and this is the core of the problem. While policies and programmes do exist, it is the ‘governance deficit’ which has contributed to the present grievances and alienation.
Rather than creating another costly and complicated structure of administration through an autonomous council, wouldn’t it be better if the Nagaland government can create a separate Ministry, similar to DoNER, which will deal exclusively for the ENPO areas under a Cabinet Minister from the region. This new department/ministry can become like a mini secretariat for administration of the ENPO areas but will come within the existing government system. Other creative solutions can be found including the possibility of each department having their cell within this new set up. Depending on the availability, officers from the ENPO region can be posted here. Development including contract and supply works can all be taken up from this new office. With the Indo-Naga political issue currently under dialogue and attempts to bring warring Naga groups to a common platform and understanding, for the moment, the ENPO should keep its demand for Frontier Nagaland in abeyance as Nagas need to converge and not work at cross purposes at this important juncture of our history. For now the ENPO along with the State government can look for creative solutions within the present Nagaland State. Even the prospect of increasing the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats by one each, which can be reserved for ENPO areas, could be explored with the Government of India.
