The much-anticipated tripartite talks on the formation of the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), comprising six eastern districts of Nagaland, were held on Wednesday in Chumoukedima district. The meeting, spanning nearly five hours, involved the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO), the central government, and the Nagaland state government.The ENPO, which has been demanding a separate state for the region since 2010, described the discussions as constructive. ENPO President A Chingmak Chang stated that several critical issues were addressed, though specific details remain confidential. “The talks are on the right track, and progress has been positive,” Chang said.
During the meeting, the ENPO emphasized the necessity of financial, executive, and legislative autonomy as prerequisites for any agreement. Chang also proposed the establishment of a “central battalion” to address unemployment and called for modernization of the existing village guard system. The government reportedly accepted the proposal for upgrading the village guard system. Representing the central government, A K Mishra led the discussions, while Nagaland Chief Secretary J Alam and other officials participated on behalf of the state government.
The ENPO highlighted the longstanding neglect of Eastern Nagaland since the state’s creation in 1963, citing underdevelopment across all sectors. The region, which includes the districts of Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, and Shamator, is home to eight major tribes, including the Chang, Konyak, and Phom. Last month, the ENPO “temporarily” accepted the Centre’s proposal for granting the region a certain degree of autonomy. However, Chang reiterated that without comprehensive autonomy, no agreement would be signed. The ENPO expressed optimism for an “acceptable and honorable” solution in the upcoming discussions, expected to be held soon.
