"Historic": PM Modi hails tripartite agreement for Eastern Nagaland development
New Delhi, February 6
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday described a newly signed tripartite agreement for Eastern Nagaland as "historic," saying it will boost development and open new opportunities for the people of the region.
The agreement, signed a day earlier between the Centre, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO), which represents eight recognised Naga tribes across six eastern districts, aims to accelerate progress and ensure inclusive growth in the area.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "This is a historic agreement indeed, which will enhance the development trajectory of Eastern Nagaland in particular. I am sure it will open new avenues of opportunity and prosperity for the people. It reflects our unwavering commitment to peace, progress and inclusive growth in the Northeast."
The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
The agreement will pave the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for six districts of Nagaland, Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator, and devolution of powers in respect of 46 subjects to the FNTA.
The agreement provides, inter alia, for a mini-Secretariat for FNTA, headed by the Additional Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary, and for the sharing of development outlay for the Eastern Nagaland region, proportional to population and area. However, this agreement does not affect in any manner whatsoever the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.
On this occasion, Amit Shah said that today is a very significant day for a dispute-free North East. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a North East that is free from insurgency, violence, disputes, and developed. Today, we have taken one more step forward in realising that vision.
He stated that eleven years ago, several armed groups and disputes in the North East were pushing the region towards fragmentation and disturbing its peace. At the same time, many interstate disputes were disrupting the peace of the states.
Union Home Minister said that the government led by Prime Minister Modi is committed to finding solutions to every dispute. He said that since 2019, the Modi government has signed 12 important agreements in the North East.
He stated that previous governments only signed agreements, but the Modi government implements them in letter and spirit.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who has worked with NGOs in the Northeast, I'm cautiously optimistic. The key will be implementation on the ground. The promise of proportional development outlay is good, but will it reach the people? Hope this brings tangible change.
Finally! The people of Eastern Nagaland deserve this focus. The creation of FNTA with real powers over 46 subjects can be a game-changer for local governance. Hope this model can be replicated in other tribal areas for inclusive growth.
Peace and development go hand in hand. This agreement seems to respect the unique identity of the Naga tribes (Article 371A untouched) while bringing them into the mainstream development narrative. A win-win if executed properly.
While the intent is commendable, we must be careful not to celebrate agreements before seeing results. The government claims 12 agreements since 2019. It would be helpful to have a public report on the progress of the previous 11. Accountability is key.
This is the kind of news that makes me proud. Solving long-standing issues through dialogue, not force. A "dispute-free North East" as Shah said should be the goal for the entire country's progress. More power to the people of Nagaland! 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.