Tuensang, 9 February (MTNews): As frustration mounts over the delay in implementing the Frontier Naga Territory (FNT), a longstanding demand of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO), a massive rally was held across all six districts of Eastern Nagaland.
Led by the ENPO, throngs of demonstrators have taken to the streets, decrying what they perceive as government inaction in addressing their demand. The protests have been widespread, with demonstrations occurring in all district and ADC headquarters within Eastern Nagaland.
The rally today took place following a joint consultative meeting held at Tuensang on 5 February, where ENPO, along with tribal bodies and frontal organizations, resolved to escalate their protest against the alleged failure of the Centre to provide the final draft of the Memorandum of Settlement (MOS) for the Frontier Naga Territory.
During his public address, ENPO President Tsapikyu Sangtam directly addressed Home Minister Amit Shah’s commitment to finalize the Frontier Naga Territory within 1-2 weeks before the State Assembly Election, stating, “But as of now, no declaration has been made.”
The ENPO president emphasized their pursuit of legislative, executive, and financial autonomy, reiterating that this arrangement is distinct from a Union Territory, Autonomous Council, or statehood. “This FNT is what the GoI offered, not our initial demand,” he clarified.
Declaring their intent, Sangtam affirmed, “We will observe this arrangement for ten years and will attain statehood,” the president declared. He also called upon members to stand united, warning that failure by the Government of India and Nagaland authorities to finalize the arrangement may prompt a return to their previous demand for statehood.
All the tribal organizations presented their representation to the Nagaland Governor via the offices of the respective deputy commissioners.