Kohima, 5 July (MTNews): The Government of India (GoI), the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) and the Nagaland government is poised to sign a tripartite agreement aimed at resolving the longstanding demand of the Eastern Nagas for a separate state. The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Yanthungo Patton and TR Zeliang, as well as other cabinet ministers, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, and the Speaker of the state legislative assembly, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Wednesday.
A top source in the government has disclosed to a news outlet that during the meeting, Shah conveyed that the Centre’s proposal to grant an autonomous council or Frontier Naga Territory status to the Eastern Nagas would be discussed with the state government and the ENPO to reach a consensus. The source reportedly further revealed that as negotiations continue between the Centre and the ENPO, a date will soon be scheduled for talks with the state government, marking a tripartite discussion.
It may be recalled that earlier, the ENPO had disclosed that the Centre had proposed the establishment of a Frontier Naga Territory (FNT) with legislative, executive, administrative, and financial autonomy. The performance of the proposed setup would be reviewed after a period of 10 years to assess its effectiveness in fulfilling the aspirations of the people in the Eastern Nagaland Region.
Considering the sentiments of fellow Nagas towards unity and togetherness, the ENPO stated that it had accepted the proposal without insisting on dividing the state. In the past, the ENPO had also rejected the state government’s recommendation to the Centre in 2011 to form an autonomous council for the eastern districts.
“We stand on the threshold of this dialogue; we hope to move forward courageously with the prayers and blessings of our fellow Nagas to a future where we can be equal contributors to the prosperity of our Naga fraternity,” expressed the ENPO.
Prior to the meeting with Shah, the state government had called for a consultative meeting to discuss the proposal for the creation of an autonomous council for the six eastern districts of the state. However, the crucial meeting, which was scheduled to take place in the following days, was unexpectedly canceled.
Other media outlets also quoted sources privy to the meeting saying that the Union Home Minister assured the delegation of a tripartite talk between the GoI, Nagaland state government and ENPO before any finalization on the proposed Frontier Naga Territory.
Meanwhile, Deputy CM Y Patton took to Twitter to share a photo update on today’s meeting. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Shri Amit Shah Ji for his unwavering patience and empathetic understanding towards the issues of our State, which were the primary focus of our meeting today,” he tweeted. “His consistent support and dedication are truly commendable,” Patton added.
Had the privilege of joining the Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri @Neiphiu_Rio Ji, my esteemed cabinet colleagues, and MP Rajya Sabha Smti @SPhangnon Ji, in a significant discussion with the Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Shri @AmitShah Ji.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to… pic.twitter.com/CMS87EqJg9
— Yanthungo Patton (@YanthungoPatton) July 5, 2023