Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)

The Central Government, the Government of Nagaland and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) have signed a landmark agreement for the formation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), marking a major step towards addressing long-standing demands for greater regional autonomy in eastern Nagaland.

ENPO is the apex body representing eight recognised Naga tribes inhabiting the six eastern districts of Nagaland. The demand for region-specific administrative and developmental powers has been raised by these tribes since 2015. In 2022, ENPO members met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, following which structured negotiations began, culminating in the present agreement.

Key Features of the Agreement

• The pact paves the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for six districts: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator.
• Devolution of powers over 46 subjects to the FNTA, enabling greater administrative and developmental autonomy.
• Establishment of a mini-Secretariat for FNTA, headed by an Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary.
• Sharing of development outlay for the Eastern Nagaland region in proportion to its population and geographical area.

Constitutional Safeguards

The agreement explicitly states that it does not affect the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which safeguards the special status of Nagaland in matters relating to customary laws, land and resources.

Significance

The FNTA represents a unique governance arrangement aimed at the overall development of Eastern Nagaland through:

• Greater financial autonomy
• Enhanced decision-making powers
• Accelerated infrastructure development
• Economic empowerment of local communities
• Optimal utilisation of regional resources