FNTA Authority Will Help Bridge Development Gaps In Backward Eastern Nagaland: CM Rio

(MENAFN- IANS) Kohima, Sep 4 (IANS) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said the proposed authority under the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill, 2026, would help bridge developmental gaps in the eastern region of the state and ensure accelerated, inclusive and equitable growth.

In his concluding remarks on the FNTA Bill, 2026 during the 9th session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Rio said the FNTA was envisioned as a unique self-governing territorial authority to fulfil the social, economic, educational, cultural and linguistic aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland, while providing democratic and decentralised governance within the State.

He said the six districts under the FNTA -- Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Shamator -- had continued to face developmental deficits due to historical and geographical challenges.

The Chief Minister said the state government, in consultation with the government of India, Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) and other stakeholders, had worked towards addressing the legal and constitutional concerns surrounding the Bill.

He reiterated that the safeguards under Article 371(A) would remain inviolable. Rio said the state government had also sought enhancement of the proposed special developmental grant from Rs 5,000 crore to a minimum of Rs 10,000 crore to accelerate infrastructure development, economic growth and overall progress in Eastern Nagaland.

He said the state government would allocate funds to the FNTA based on population and size, while the Centre would provide requisite funds through Special Development Grants, keeping in view the region's developmental needs.

The FNTA would also prepare its own annual plans and formulate development programmes based on grassroots requirements. The constitution of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority will go a long way in fulfilling the desires and aspirations of our brothers and sisters from Eastern Nagaland, Dr Rio said.

He added that the FNTA was not merely an administrative arrangement but a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to equitable development, unity and progress for all sections of the people.

An official statement had earlier noted that the agreement would pave the way for the creation of the FNTA for six backward districts -- Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator -- along with the devolution of powers over 46 subjects to the new authority.

Since 2010, the ENPO and other Naga organisations have been demanding either a separate 'Frontier Nagaland Territory' or full statehood for the six eastern districts, which are inhabited by seven backward tribes -- Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Tikhir, Sangtam, and Yimkhiung.

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