Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the newly-signed tripartite agreement between the Centre, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) as “historic”, saying it will usher in a new era of development and opportunities for the people of the region.
The agreement was signed a day earlier in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, to pave the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for six districts of Nagaland, Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator, and devolution of powers in respect of 46 subjects to the FNTA.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “This is a historic agreement indeed, which will enhance the development trajectory of Eastern Nagaland in particular. I am sure it will open new avenues of opportunity and prosperity for the people. It reflects our unwavering commitment to peace, progress and inclusive growth in the Northeast.”
The agreement provides, inter alia, for a mini-Secretariat for FNTA, headed by the Additional Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary, and for the sharing of development outlay for the Eastern Nagaland region, proportional to population and area. However, this agreement does not affect in any manner whatsoever the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.
The agreement, which includes the ENPO that represents eight recognised Naga tribes across six eastern districts, aims to accelerate progress and ensure inclusive growth in the area.
At the agreement’s signing, Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Modi has envisioned a North East that is free from insurgency, violence, and disputes.
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“Today, we have taken one more step forward in realising that vision,” he said, adding that 11 years ago, several armed groups and disputes, including inter-state disagreements, in the North East were pushing the region towards fragmentation and disturbing its peace. But, the NDA government led by Prime Minister Modi is committed to finding solutions to every dispute, he said.
“Since 2019, the Modi government has signed 12 important agreements in the North East,” Shah said, and added that the agreements are not only signed, but will be “implemented in letter and spirit”.
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