The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has decided to “temporarily” accept the Government of India’s proposal for the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), citing unique arrangements that include executive, legislative, and financial autonomy. The decision follows a tripartite meeting held in New Delhi on December 13, 2024. In a press release, ENPO president M. Honang Konyak and general secretary Chingmak Chang stated that the meeting was convened based on earlier discussions held with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on August 13, 2024, in Guwahati, and as directed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During the talks, the ENPO reiterated its primary demand for separate statehood, “Frontier Nagaland,” as the voice of the people of Eastern Nagaland. However, recognizing the challenges faced by the Government of India at this juncture, the ENPO has chosen to accept the FNT offer temporarily, describing it as a significant step toward meeting the aspirations of the region.
The ENPO noted “significant progress” in the discussions and announced that another round of tripartite talks is scheduled for the second week of January 2025 to address unresolved issues. Expressing optimism, the ENPO said it trusts the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to fulfill the proposed arrangement. The organization also expressed confidence in Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to honor commitments made during public declarations in Mon and Tuensang towns in February 2023. The ENPO thanked the Nagaland state government for its role in facilitating the talks by providing comments on the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) draft for FNT, which paved the way for progress in the December 13 discussions. It also appreciated the MHA committee, led by A.K. Mishra, for its dedication to addressing the aspirations of Eastern Nagaland.
The tripartite meeting included high-ranking officials from the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and the ENPO delegation. Union Home Secretary Govin Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Kumar Deka, and Northeast Advisor A.K. Mishra represented the central government, while Chief Secretary J. Alam and other senior officials represented Nagaland. The ENPO delegation comprised its leadership team and notable figures such as former MP K. Asungba Sangtam and former state minister P. Pongom Khiamniungan.
