The Nagaland Cabinet on Tuesday took a series of significant policy decisions on the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization’s (ENPO) demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory, oil and natural gas exploration, and long-pending landholding reforms — signalling a more assertive approach to politically sensitive and economically crucial issues. Government spokesperson and minister K G Kenye said the Cabinet meeting, held in Chumoukedima, reviewed the status of the ENPO’s demand and expressed hope that a breakthrough could be announced soon. Talks between the ENPO and the Government of India are scheduled in New Delhi, and the state government is “keeping its fingers crossed” for a positive outcome.
Describing the demand as an issue pursued for over a decade, Kenye said the government hopes the matter will be resolved in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of eastern Nagaland. To strengthen engagement with the Centre on political and constitutional matters, the Cabinet decided to form a sub-committee under the Political Affairs Committee. The panel will be convened by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and include the two Deputy Chief Ministers, Nagaland’s two Members of Parliament, and selected Cabinet ministers.
A delegation from the group has already left for New Delhi to raise concerns over the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP). The delegation will urge the Centre to review the PAP, which the state government believes is adversely affecting Nagaland.
The Cabinet also revisited the long-pending and contentious issue of oil and natural gas exploration in the state. Kenye said the matter had been delayed due to court proceedings but noted that the government was relieved when the court agreed to hear the case. With the concerned organization having withdrawn its petition, the issue has become infructuous, although a final judicial verdict is still awaited.
He said the Cabinet has decided to move forward with oil and gas exploration based on the special constitutional protections granted to Nagaland under Article 371A. Emphasizing the state’s unique constitutional position, Kenye said the Article makes it clear that land and its resources belong to the people of Nagaland, unlike in other states where petroleum and natural gas are treated as central subjects. “All resources, above and below the surface, belong to the landowners and the people. The state government acts only on their mandate and consent,” he said, while expressing regret that internal differences had earlier led to litigation and delays.
Another key decision relates to the regulation of Nagaland’s landholding system. Kenye said that despite several legislations and office memorandums over the years, the state had failed to adopt a firm and decisive land regulation policy. In view of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, and the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), the government has now decided to introduce fresh directives. Under the new approach, non-cadastral lands and government-occupied lands that were previously not issued individual pattas will now have to undergo proper registration, obtain land pattas, and pay land revenue like other private landowners. Kenye said these measures are aimed at bringing long-term clarity, accountability, and regulation to Nagaland’s landholding system. Detailed notifications are expected in the coming days.
