New Delhi, 3 July (MTNews): In a significant development, a high-level delegation headed by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has arrived in the national capital to engage in crucial discussions with the Government of India (GoI) concerning the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) issue. The delegation is set to meet with Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the possibility of additional discussions involving interlocutor AK Mishra and other government officials.
The visit comes in response to the recent proposal put forth by the Central government regarding the Frontier Naga Territory, which has garnered attention and raised concerns. The proposal outlines a new administrative structure consisting of 40 elected members and 9 nominated members. It also includes the establishment of 45 departments and the delegation of financial, political, and legislative powers to these administrative bodies.
Upon receiving the proposal, the Nagaland government convened a joint meeting on June 30th, which was unexpectedly postponed. Sources indicate that the decision to delay the meeting was made to allow for more comprehensive deliberations on the matter. Reports suggest that the Nagaland government may have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposals presented by the central government.
Insiders reveal that the directive to postpone the meeting came from central leaders, who advised against holding any consultative gatherings that could potentially escalate tensions between the ENPO and other tribal groups.
In light of these developments, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang promptly traveled to Delhi. It is reported that three cabinet ministers from the eastern region will also join the delegation for the meeting with the Union Home Minister.
Simultaneously, ENPO has scheduled a meeting with the Eastern Sumis in Dimapur on 4 July. The purpose of this gathering is to address concerns and seek consensus on the demand of the Eastern Sumis to be merged with Zunheboto.
Furthermore, ENPO is reportedly set to meet with all Naga armed groups. Various Naga armed groups have expressed concerns about their status in the event of an agreement between the ENPO and the Government of India. Initially, the demand put forth by ENPO reportedly included provisions for the establishment of a Frontier Naga Regiment, comprising eastern Naga armed cadres. However, sources have confirmed the removal of this provision, as the question of statehood does not arise. Moreover, the central government has reportedly affirmed that the creation of the Frontier Naga Territory will not impact the Naga political solution.
ENPO is also reportedly engaging actively with the 20 elected representatives from the region in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to secure their support on this matter.