Dr. Aniruddha Babar
Dept of Political Science, Tetso College, Nagaland
“COME WHAT MAY, WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON FNT”
R. Tsapikiu Sangtam, Former President, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization
The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO)-the mother organization for several key civil society groups in Eastern Nagaland- such as the Eastern Nagaland Women Organization (ENWO), the Eastern Nagaland Students' Federation (ENSF), the Eastern Nagaland Legislature's Union (ENLU), and the Eastern Nagaland Government Officers Association (ENGOA), founded in 1997, has gloriously emerged as a powerful voice advocating for the rights, dignity and development of the people in Eastern Nagaland. Representing six districts-Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, and Shamator-the ENPO has consistently fought against the long-standing neglect and systemic marginalization faced by these regions. Its tireless efforts center on addressing historical grievances while pushing for tangible political change leading to a sustainable constitutional transformation.
The ENPO's vision of establishing "Frontier Nagaland" represents a pivotal move toward achieving political and administrative autonomy, reflecting the Eastern Naga people's deep-rooted aspirations for dignity, and constitutional justice. Following several high-level discussions between the ENPO and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the MHA proposed the creation of a 'Frontier Nagaland Territory.' After thorough deliberation, this offer was formally accepted and approved on January 7, 2023, during a joint coordination meeting at the DUDA Guest House in Sovima, Chumukedima, with participation from the Talk Team, ENLU, Tribal Councils, and Frontal Organizations. This momentous decision marks a critical turning point in addressing the longstanding demands of the Eastern Nagas, whose calls for equitable development and all-inclusive justice have been historically marginalized. The creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory is not merely an administrative realignment but a long-overdue recognition of the region's distinct socio-political identity and aspirations.
The demand for the Frontier Nagaland stems from a long history of neglect, underdevelopment, and insufficient representation in the eastern districts of Nagaland. Since the inception of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organization (ENPO), these grievances have been raised through numerous meetings, memorandums, and resolutions. Leaders have persistently pointed to the stark disparity in development between Eastern Nagaland and the rest of the state, citing the lack of basic amenities, poor infrastructure, and limited job opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, making the region's inadequate healthcare infrastructure and restricted access to essential services painfully evident, highlighting the region's long standing marginalization.
Between 2021 and 2024, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) demonstrated remarkable dedication through relentless efforts and countless meetings held day and night. The former President’s residence, the former Treasurer’s home, and various formal and informal gathering spots-equipped with law books, research materials, laptops, printers, and stationery-became hubs for these tireless strategic discussions on the Frontier Nagaland Movement. Meetings often stretched late into the night, sometimes lasting until 11 or 12 o’clock, as leaders, driven by deep commitment and inner strength, meticulously refined their strategies and planned for every detail. The speed achieved by the previous ENPO leadership through a dedicated “Talk Team” in their discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs was particularly commendable, helping accelerate progress toward their goal. This collective effort was fueled by an unshakeable belief in the cause and a sense of historic responsibility toward future generations. Their intellect, courage, passion, perseverance, and clarity of purpose ultimately guided the talks with the Ministry, leading all stakeholders to a significant and positive breakthrough, marking a new chapter for the Eastern Nagas.
Similarly, organizations like the Chang KhuleiSetshang (CKS), Konyak Union (KU), Phom Peoples' Council (PPC), Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC), United SangtamLikhümPümji (USLP), Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) and Eastern Sumi Hoho worked tirelessly, burning the midnight oil to give constructive shape to the movement at the grassroots level. Meanwhile, ENSF volunteers and ENWO members played their crucial role in spreading the movement to every nook and corner of Eastern Nagaland.
These conclaves of master strategists and leaders symbolized far more than mere logistical efforts-they embodied the undying spirit of a people united in their quest for constitutional justice. Through sleepless nights and tireless dedication, ENPO and allied leaders demonstrated that their cause was not just an ordinary struggle, but a glorious quest-a profound moral commitment to securing basic human dignity, fundamental rights, and all-encompassing constitutional justice. Their fight was not only for the present generation but also for a brighter, more equitable future for those yet to come. This movement represented the collective will to challenge historical neglect and marginalization, proving that their pursuit of a Frontier Nagaland Territory was a legitimate and deeply rooted demand for self-governance and respect.
As we reflect on recent past events, it is impossible to overlook the massive public rallies organized across various parts of Eastern Nagaland, which powerfully expressed the people’s deep-seated frustrations and long-standing demands. These rallies, attended by thousands, highlighted the resilience and determination of the participants, many of whom stood for hours without food or water, enduring significant personal discomfort in pursuit of a greater cause. This collective action was made possible because every resident from all six districts of Eastern Nagaland took a voluntary step to stand and fight for their constitutional rights. It was not merely the ENPO leading the charge, but the spirit of the common Eastern Naga individual that fueled the movement. The overwhelming participation symbolized the collective voice of a region that has long felt marginalized and underrepresented in Nagaland’s political and developmental landscape. These gatherings were more than just protests; they represented a unified demand for constitutional justice through the recognition and establishment of a Frontier Nagaland Territory. The fervor and unity displayed in these rallies showcased an iron commitment to reshaping the region’s future. The scale and intensity of the rallies underscored the urgency of addressing the legitimate aspirations of every Eastern Naga individual, reinforcing the need for equitable governance and solutions that truly reflect the will and sacrifices of the people.
ENPO's call for the creation of Frontier Nagaland is fundamentally a demand for greater socioeconomic-political empowerment. The existing political structure in Nagaland has consistently failed to ensure adequate representation for Eastern Nagaland in the state assembly and policy-making bodies. Despite the significant population across the six districts represented by ENPO, their political influence has remained limited, with their concerns frequently overlooked in policy formulation. This chronic underrepresentation has led to governance structures that are disconnected from the ground realities as well as the unique needs and aspirations of the Eastern Nagas, reinforcing the justification for their demand for a separate territory through special constitutional arrangement under Article 371 (A) that better reflects their interests.
The organization’s endless struggle for ‘Constitutional Justice’ took a pivotal turn in 2010 when it formally demanded the creation of Frontier Nagaland. This demand was not just about administrative restructuring but a deeply strategic move aimed at reclaiming the constitutional rights guaranteed under Indian Constitution. Despite these constitutional assurances, the Eastern Nagas have long endured systemic discrimination and exclusion from essential development processes, which has left them marginalized in their own land. The call for a separate Territory is, therefore, a powerful effort to ensure that the promises of equitable development and governance, enshrined in the Constitution, are realized in practice rather than remaining unfulfilled ideals.
During the tenure of the previous ENPO leadership (2021-2024), the organization made significant strides in strengthening its federating structure. On March 26, 2022, the TikhirTribal Council was officially recognized as the seventh federating tribal body, a crucial step in expanding ENPO’s inclusive framework. This was followed by the Eastern Sumi Hoho's formal affiliation as the eighth federating tribal body on November 30, 2023. These additions highlighted ENPO’s strong commitment to the principles of unity, peace, and harmony. By incorporating these federating bodies, ENPO not only broadened its representation but also reinforced its mission to unite diverse communities in Eastern Nagaland under a shared vision of progress and mutual respect.
These strategic affiliations were key in amplifying the collective voice of Eastern Nagaland, integrating the interests and aspirations of all member tribes into the organization’s broader advocacy efforts. The expansion of ENPO’s federating body showcased its essential role in fostering regional solidarity and driving the Frontier Nagaland movement. This movement has gained momentum through these affiliations, further solidifying ENPO's role in advocating for the rights and aspirations of Eastern Nagaland. By uniting diverse tribal voices, ENPO has strengthened its push for political autonomy and equitable development, marking a decisive step towards a more inclusive and self-governed future for the region.
Between 2021 and 2024, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organization (ENPO) intensified its advocacy efforts, demonstrating firm resolve in advancing its demands for constitutional autonomy through special constitutional arrangement. A pivotal moment occurred with the widespread “voluntary” endorsement of the historic “Chenmoho Resolution” (Dtd. February 23, 2024) and the bold declaration of a “Public Emergency” (Dtd. March 5, 2024), an event that underscored ENPO's resilience and strategic foresight. During this period, Eastern Nagaland districts, in an unprecedented display of political mobilization, completely, voluntarily “abstained” from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This marked the first time in India’s history that an entire region abstained from national elections, a powerful act of defiance that garnered both national and international attention. The abstention was a clear expression of the profound discontent and determination within the Eastern Naga communities, showcasing their deep frustration with the status quo. Moreover, the Eastern Nagas, remaining steadfast in their movement continued to uphold historic “Chenmoho Resolution”, also ‘voluntarily’ abstained from participating in the “Urban Local Bodies” elections. This further demonstrated their individual commitment to their cause. It is the individual choice/conscience that is being reflected in the collective org’s (ENPO) decision to abstain. This monumental stance not only highlighted their iron commitment to protecting their constitutional rights but also solidified ENPO’s leadership in championing the Frontier Nagaland cause, signaling that their demands for constitutional justice and self-governance could no longer be ignored / sidelined by the government.
ENPO's advocacy transcends mere political representation and administrative restructuring, symbolizing a profound cultural renaissance for the Eastern Naga tribes. It has rekindled a strong sense of identity and unity among the region’s diverse communities, fostering a collective consciousness that strengthens their pursuit of rights and constitutional autonomy. This solidarity boldly challenges historical narratives that have long marginalized them, framing their movement as both a political and cultural reclamation. The demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory is not just about governance but about reclaiming their rightful place within the broader Naga and Indian ethos. It underscores the preservation of their heritage, constitutional autonomy, and future-elements the Eastern Nagas fear may be stifled by “economic” dependency on Kohima, where tribalism and political polarisation has long influenced governance. Moreover, it stands as a powerful affirmation of their distinct identity, rooted in an ancient history predating colonial impositions, and showcases their unique traditions, customs, and oral histories.
As they assert their rights, the movement also embodies a spiritual awakening, reconnecting the Eastern Nagas with their ancestral legacies and emphasizing a divine mandate to safeguard their constitutional rights, land, culture, and people. This awakening is not merely political but a pursuit of constitutional justice and the realization of their guaranteed fundamental rights. It reflects their desire to actively participate in nation-building and claim their rightful share in India's prosperity, ensuring their unique identity and heritage contribute to both the state of Nagaland and the nation’s future, while allowing them to stand independently in their own state of Nagaland-rejecting the broken 'crutches' they have been compelled to use since Nagaland's formation. The ENPO leadership has repeatedly demonstrated that their struggle is for the fundamental right to equality with the “Advanced” Nagas, a right which is guaranteed under the constitution of India that has long been denied to them.
The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has been pivotal in bringing attention to the profound developmental disparities in the state of Nagaland. The neglect experienced by the people of Eastern Nagaland goes beyond just inadequate infrastructure; it stems from decades of systemic political and economic exclusion- a FACT. ENPO has consistently pointed out that the financial packages offered/ provided by both state and central governments are insufficient, as they do not address the underlying issues that perpetuate these inequalities.
Instead, the organization advocates for a fundamental structural transformation, enabling greater local governance, control over natural and economic resources, and a more equitable and direct distribution of development funds to bridge the long-standing gap-thereby channelizing the economic revolution in Eastern Nagaland-one of the most neglected, most backward regions in India..
The call for the Frontier Nagaland Territory is deeply rooted in the constitutional guarantees of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Led by the ENPO, this movement echoes the global struggles of marginalized communities fighting for justice, dignity, and equitable participation in political and economic systems that have historically excluded them. The ENPO and its supporters assert that empowering the “underserved” populations to govern themselves, protect their unique culture, and direct their sociopolitical-economic futures is essential for real change and long term transformation. Their historic campaign highlights the critical need to address systemic injustices and transform constitutional promises into concrete improvements for the ‘deprived’, ‘neglected’ Eastern Naga people. This movement represents a powerful call for genuine constitutional autonomy, inclusion, and the safeguarding of fundamental human rights guaranteed under the constitution of India, reflecting principles that transcend national boundaries and resonate with the global pursuit of justice. By drawing attention to these pressing issues, the ENPO aims to rectify enduring inequalities and foster a more just and equitable society. Ultimately, the ENPO’s mission is to fulfill the democratic promises made to those who have long been marginalized, ensuring their voices are not only heard but are pivotal in shaping a future of true fairness and respect.
The Eastern Nagaland People's Organization (ENPO), with its sacred and legal mandate, carries the torch of deep significance in the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) movement. This movement reflects not only a political demand but also the deeply rooted aspirations for self-governance, constitutional autonomy, and all-inclusive justice to the people of Eastern Nagaland under the protection of Article 371 (A). As the mother organization, the ENPO is entrusted with leading the federating units and frontal organisations in this historic struggle. Decades of marginalization have made the demand for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territory not just urgent but essential for justice and equitable development as guaranteed under the Constitution of our country.
It is now an urgent and solemn duty of the Nagaland State Government to stand firmly with the Eastern Nagaland People's Organization (ENPO) in addressing the Frontier Nagaland issue. This responsibility cannot be delegated or diminished. The state must fully honour its constitutional obligation under Article 164(2) of the Indian Constitution by actively participating through the state cabinet in the matter.
However, public concerns have recently been raised over the expressed ‘intentions’ of the Government of Nagaland to involve the Eastern Nagaland Legislators' Union (ENLU)-a separate entity / other entity in the “thorough deliberations” on “Frontier Nagaland” issue. Many in Eastern Nagaland feel that the focus should remain on the ENPO as the primary voice of the people, given its foundational role in advocating for the region's rights. The indirect introduction of additional actors into the dialogue has, understandably, led to concerns about potential political maneuvering and fragmentation of the cause.
Given that ENLU members are already elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) of Nagaland, many question the necessity of treating the ENLU as distinct from the state government. These members hold key positions as Ministers and Advisors, and three of them are part of the state cabinet. This raises the question: Why should the Government of Nagaland engage ENLU in separate deliberations on the “Frontier Nagaland” issue when its members are already well-embedded in the governance framework? Furthermore, the legitimacy of the ENLU stems from the people of Eastern Nagaland-the same people who gave birth to the ENPO. Therefore, both ENLU as an organization and its individual legislators draw their authority, political legitimacy and social standing directly from the mandate of the Eastern Nagaland people. Therefore- it is the voice of the people at the end which shall continue to matter in the constitutional framework of our country.
Involving the ENLU in separate deliberations introduces an avoidable layer of complexity in what should be a cohesive pursuit of Eastern Nagaland’s aspirations. The people’s collective will has already been clearly voiced through the ENPO, and creating parallel avenues for discussion risks diluting this unified call for justice. It is crucial for the state government to recognize that both the ENLU and its members and ENPO and its members derive their total legitimacy and their whole ‘public’ existence from the same region-the Eastern nagaland, and the same people-the Eastern Nagas and are working toward the same objective: the realization of Eastern Naga’s rightful, legal, constitutional demand to create Frontier Nagaland Territory through a separate constitutional arrangement in the state of Nagaland under Article 371 (A) with legislative, executive and most important-the financial autonomy.
As the world continues to watch, the people of Eastern Nagaland, under the supreme leadership of ENPO, remain hopeful that their quest for a rightful place in the state of Nagaland and the country will be achieved. The creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territory is not just a demand; it is a necessity for justice, equality, and the future prosperity of the people of Eastern Nagaland. This territory represents their long-overdue recognition and fair share of socioeconomic-political justice within the vast fabric of India's diversity. The organization’s relentless pursuit of justice has gained recognition and support from various quarters across the state of Nagaland as well as the country and has become a symbol of democratic struggle for constitutional justice. With every step forward, ENPO stands as a beacon of hope, steadily illuminating the path toward a fairer, more just society for Eastern Nagas. By advocating for this sacred cause, ENPO does not merely fight for separate constitutional arrangement; it fights for the dignity, rights, and survival of an entire people. Their struggle rightly represents the enduring spirit of resilience, unity, and hope for a brighter and more equitable future for its people, a future that honours their unique heritage, and bold, radiant standing within the vast, complex and diverse Indian nation.
