Tripartite talks to deliberate on the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) are set to commence today in Chumoukedima district. The discussions will involve representatives from the Central Government, the Nagaland State Government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO). The proposed Frontier Nagaland Territory would encompass six eastern districts—Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang—home to eight indigenous tribes, including Chang, Konyak, Phom, Tikhir, Sangtam, Yimkhiung, Khiamniungan, and a section of Sema.
The ENPO, an apex body advocating for the rights of these tribes, has long cited systemic neglect of the eastern region since the formation of Nagaland in 1963. Alleging inadequate development across sectors, the ENPO has been pushing for statehood since 2010, demanding autonomy to address the socio-economic disparity. Last month, the ENPO announced its “temporary” acceptance of the Centre’s proposal for a mechanism to grant the region a degree of autonomy. The current talks aim to build a framework for this proposal, marking a significant milestone in the decade-long demand for self-governance.
Union Home Ministry official A.K. Mishra, representing the Centre, arrived in Nagaland yesterday to lead the discussions. The demand for a separate territory gained momentum after the ENPO boycotted both Lok Sabha and Urban Local Body elections earlier this year to press for their cause. The state Cabinet had also discussed the ENPO’s demand on October 30, emphasizing the need for a resolution to address the aspirations of the people in the eastern districts.
