R Tsapikiu Sangtam
Former President, Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO)
The formation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) marks a historic and defining milestone in the long journey of the people of Eastern Nagaland. It represents the advancement of a long-cherished dream carried in the hearts of our people for generations; a dream shaped by the hope for dignity, justice, opportunity, development and a better future for our children. As a former President of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Eastern Nagaland and express my profound gratitude to all those whose perseverance, sacrifices, prayers and goodwill have brought this cherished aspiration to this significant stage.
My sincere appreciation goes to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, A K Mishra and his team at the Ministry of Home Affairs and the BJP-led Government at the Centre for their continued engagement and efforts towards addressing the aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland. I also acknowledge the support extended by the Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio and his Government, Benjamin, President of BJP Nagaland and Phangnon Konyak, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), whose presence and voice have contributed to carrying the concerns and aspirations of our people to the appropriate forums.
The journey towards this momentous stage has been sustained by the dedication of successive ENPO leaderships. I place on record my appreciation for all former ENPO leaders, the present ENPO President and his team and the ENPO Talk Team led by its Convenor, K. Asungba Sangtam, for carrying forward the difficult process of dialogue and engagement with patience, maturity and perseverance. The contribution of the frontal organisations of ENPO, the Executive Secretaries of the eight tribes, Naga civil societies, the media fraternity and all well-wishers of ENPO from within and outside Nagaland is equally deserving of recognition.
The churches of different denominations and the prayer warriors deserve special appreciation for their prayers, encouragement and moral support throughout the many difficult stages of this journey. Above all, the highest acknowledgement belongs to the people of Eastern Nagaland themselves. Their unity, patience, sacrifices and continued support gave strength and purpose to the movement. For generations, the dream of a more secure, dignified and prosperous future has lived in the hearts of our people. The aspiration for justice and a rightful place within our nation has been inseparable from this dream. The progress reached through this collective journey reflects the faith, resilience and determination of our people to create better opportunities for generations yet to come.
The present arrangement must therefore be approached not merely as an achievement but as the beginning of a greater responsibility. I earnestly appeal to the people of the ENPO areas to extend their cooperation to the present arrangement, understanding that this is a first stepping-stone towards our final destination. The fulfilment of one stage of our dream must inspire greater responsibility rather than complacency. The road ahead will require patience, maturity, unity and a continued commitment to peaceful and democratic engagement.
The responsibility resting upon the FNTA functionaries is equally immense. Every developmental activity must be undertaken judiciously and with integrity, with transparency, fairness and accountability. Public resources must be directed towards public welfare and the advancement of the people. Public policy must be guided by the genuine needs of our communities, local realities and the long-term interests of future generations. Decisions affecting the lives of our people must be taken with foresight, responsibility and a clear understanding of their wider social consequences.
At the heart of this new chapter must stand the supremacy of law and the spirit of the Constitution. Truth, integrity and accountability must guide public life and public office must be regarded not as privilege but as a solemn responsibility entrusted by the people. No institution, individual or interest should stand above the law. Justice must remain a guiding principle of governance and development must become a means of restoring dignity, expanding opportunity and strengthening the bond between the people and the nation.
The FNTA must therefore strive towards welfare-oriented governance in which public interest remains at the centre of administration. Its decisions and actions must strengthen institutional credibility and public trust through transparency, accountability and consistent adherence to the law. The true measure of governance will not be found merely in policies, programmes or institutions but in whether they improve the lives of ordinary people, create meaningful opportunities and ensure that development reaches every community and every deserving section of society. The opportunity before us must become a foundation for transformative development and must not reproduce the shortcomings of the past.
I make a special appeal to all ENPO tribal leaders to preserve peace and harmony within the tribes and maintain cordial relations with communities outside the ENPO jurisdiction. Peace and harmony will be the foundation upon which all-round development and lasting progress must be built. Our shared dream must always be greater than our differences and our collective future must take precedence over individual or sectional interests. Our aspirations must be pursued within the framework of peace, democratic values, the supremacy of law, the spirit of the Constitution and the unity and integrity of the nation.
The journey to this defining chapter has demanded patience, sacrifice, dialogue and extraordinary collective perseverance. The responsibility now is to ensure that the opportunity created through these efforts is translated into meaningful and visible change in the lives of our people. Let this new chapter be guided by truth in public life, justice in spirit, integrity in governance, accountability in administration, sound public policy and a steadfast commitment to public welfare.
A dream sustained across generations has reached an important threshold. What lies ahead will determine how faithfully we honour the sacrifices and hopes that brought us here. May this momentous beginning become the foundation of a peaceful, united and dignified Eastern Nagaland where justice, development, opportunity and hope are no longer distant aspirations but lasting realities for our children and generations to come.
With heartfelt congratulations to the people of Eastern Nagaland and with profound gratitude to every person, organisation and institution that has contributed to this historic journey, I offer my prayers and best wishes for the fulfilment of the larger dream of a prosperous, empowered and dignified Eastern Nagaland within our great nation.
