GUWAHATI: In yet another significant milestone towards fulfilling the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a peaceful and prosperous North East, a historic Agreement was signed between the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland and representatives of Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), an apex body representing eight recognised Naga tribes of the six eastern districts of Nagaland in New Delhi today.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah and Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio. The agreement will pave the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for the six districts of Nagaland, viz. Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator, and devolution of powers in respect of 46 Subjects to the FNTA.
On this occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that today is a very significant day for a dispute-free North East. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a North East free of insurgency, violence, disputes, and underdevelopment. Today, we have taken one more step forward in realising that vision. He stated that eleven years ago, several armed groups and disputes in the North East were pushing the region towards fragmentation and disturbing its peace. At the same time, many interstate disputes were disrupting the peace of the states. Home Minister Shah said that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji is committed to resolving every dispute.
He said that since 2019, the Modi government has signed 12 important agreements in the North East. He stated that previous governments only signed agreements, but the Modi government implements them in letter and spirit. The Home Minister said that he wants to assure the representatives of ENPO that the Government of India will assist in the development of Eastern Nagaland and will also shoulder its responsibility. Shah added that every year, a fixed amount will be decided, and the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India will also provide the initial expenditure for establishment.
The Home Minister said that we are all very well aware of the ENPO region and its strategic importance. Ever since Nagaland was created, the citizens of Eastern Nagaland have felt in their hearts that they were not receiving justice. Home Minister Amit Shah said that today a very long-standing dispute has reached a happy conclusion. Extending congratulations to all the people of Eastern Nagaland, all the struggling organisations of ENPO, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, his cabinet, and the Members of Parliament, he said that today we have taken one more step forward toward ending all disputes in Nagaland. He stated that now there will be no obstacle in the path of development of Eastern Nagaland. The Home Minister said that the agreement reflects our government’s commitment to resolving all contentious issues to fulfill genuine aspirations of the people. He said that both the Government of India and the Government of Nagaland will jointly take forward the development of Eastern Nagaland.
The agreement provides, inter alia, for a mini-Secretariat for FNTA, headed by the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary, and for the Sharing of development Outlay for the Eastern Nagaland region proportional to population and area. However, this agreement does not affect in any manner whatsoever the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.
This unique arrangement envisages the overall development of Eastern Nagaland through financial autonomy, enhanced decision-making, accelerated infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and optimal resource utilisation.
