Dream of Eastern Nagaland Realised: Steps Towards Self-Governance

The central government has taken a historic step to address a decades-old demand in the northeastern state of Nagaland. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the tripartite agreement finalized for the establishment of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) , calling it a landmark move that would reshape the region’s development trajectory and demonstrate his government’s commitment to Northeast India.

The agreement was signed on Thursday between the central government, the Nagaland state government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) . Commenting on the occasion, the Prime Minister said, “This agreement will bring new opportunities and prosperity into the lives of the people of Eastern Nagaland.” The signing process was completed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio .

Under the new arrangement, six backward districts of Nagaland Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator will fall under the jurisdiction of the FNTA. To facilitate administrative efficiency and accelerated development, approximately 46 key subjects will be transferred to the Authority. The government believes this decision will not only enhance local self-governance but also pave the way for peace and holistic development in the region.

The 46 transferred subjects primarily cover local development, administration, and social security. Key areas include education (primary and higher), health and family welfare, agriculture and allied sectors, public works (roads and infrastructure), rural development, water supply, flood control, forest and environment, social welfare, animal husbandry, and land reforms.

This transfer of powers gives the six districts of Eastern Nagaland the authority to plan and implement their own budgets. For example, decisions regarding school management, hospital facilities, and local road construction can now be taken independently without complete reliance on the state capital, Kohima . With autonomous authority over these 46 subjects, the FNTA will be able to respect tribal customs while accelerating development initiatives.

For decades, the primary demand in Nagaland has been for a “special state” or enhanced self-governance. The six districts of Eastern Nagaland Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator have long faced severe social, economic, and educational disparities. The people of the region, under the leadership of the ENPO, have campaigned for a separate state called Frontier Nagaland to ensure their development.

The key reason behind this demand has been administrative decentralisation and inequitable fund allocation. Residents argue that compared to other parts of the state, their region lags in infrastructure development. To address this issue, the central government has now established the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority , which, while not a separate state, provides the six districts with significant administrative and financial autonomy, as well as independent decision-making powers over 46 crucial subjects.