Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio addresses the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority between the Government of India, Government of Nagaland and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation in New Delhi on February 5. (Photo Courtesy: @Neiphiu_Rio/X)
Kohima, February 5 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on February 5 hailed the historic agreement that paved the way for the formation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for six districts of Nagaland as a reflection of the State Government’s commitment to equitable and inclusive development.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) in New Delhi on February 5.
The agreement provides for the formation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) within Nagaland in six districts—Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator—and the devolution of powers in respect of 46 subjects to the Authority.
The agreement is a testament to the State Government’s commitment to ensuring equitable and inclusive development and its continued efforts to reach out to all parts and regions of the State, CM Rio noted while addressing the signing ceremony in New Delhi.
He also expressed hope that the agreement would showcase mutual trust among all sections and address the aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland, as well as the people of Nagaland in general, by taking development right to the doorsteps of every citizen of the State.
He further congratulated the brothers and sisters of Eastern Nagaland on the milestone and complimented each and every one of them for the journey undertaken to achieve the landmark.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their statesmanship and support, which led to the signing of the agreement.
He also acknowledged the role of the Union Home Secretary, State Government officials led by the Chief Secretary, Nagaland, and the ENPO leadership headed by its President for their support and cooperation in finalising the MoA.
As per the State DIPR, CM Rio assured his fullest cooperation and support in the collective aspiration to strive towards progress and development for every section of Naga society.
“All the Naga tribes join you in celebration, as this is not just an achievement of the eastern people, but a victory for the entire Naga society,” he added.
He further expressed hope that the Union Government would continue to help, assist and guide the State in its quest for all-round development.
BJP Nagaland hails agreement
BJP Nagaland President Benjamin Yepthomi on Tuesday MoA on the formation of FNTA, describing it as a landmark achievement that fulfils the long-cherished aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland.
In a statement, Yepthomi expressed gratitude to the Central Government under the leadership of PM Modi and Home Minister Shah, as well as to the Government of Nagaland led by CM Rio. He also acknowledged the role of Deputy Chief Ministers Y Patton and T R Zeliang, and the Convenor of the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union, PaiwangKonyak.
The BJP leader further appreciated the ENPO, Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO), Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF) and other stakeholders for pursuing dialogue in a cooperative spirit, which, he said, helped the talks reach a meaningful conclusion.
According to Yepthomi, the collective efforts of all parties involved have culminated in the signing of the MoA for the FNTA and said that the agreement paves the way for inclusive development, sustained progress and long-term empowerment of the Eastern Nagaland region.
