New Delhi, February 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the recent agreement between the Government of India, the Nagaland government, and representatives of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO). He stated that this agreement will open new avenues for opportunities and prosperity for the people.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Prime Minister Modi remarked, “This is truly a historic agreement that will enhance the path for development in Eastern Nagaland. I am confident it will create new opportunities and prosperity for the people. This demonstrates our firm commitment to peace, progress, and inclusive development in the Northeast.”
Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the agreement, describing it as a historic pact that resolves long-standing issues in Eastern Nagaland. He noted that this step is significant in realizing Prime Minister Modi‘s vision for a peaceful and prosperous Northeast by addressing all contentious issues.
The ENPO is the leading organization representing eight recognized Naga tribes across six districts in Eastern Nagaland.
The agreement was signed on Thursday in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. It establishes the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for the six districts of Nagaland: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator. The FNTA will be granted powers over 46 subjects.
Additionally, the agreement provides for the establishment of a mini-secretariat for the FNTA, to be led by an additional chief secretary or principal secretary. Development expenditures for the Eastern Nagaland region will also be allocated based on population and area. Importantly, this agreement does not affect the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution.
The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that this agreement reflects the Government of India’s commitment to addressing the genuine aspirations of the people in the Northeast through dialogue. It also reinforces the fundamental democratic principle that solutions can only be achieved through mutual respect and dialogue, not through violence and armed conflict.
