ENPO and Eastern Nagaland MLAs Urged to Discuss Frontier Nagaland Territory

The Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) and the region's 20 MLAs need to discuss their demand for the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), as stated by state government spokesperson Temjen Imna Along. He emphasized the importance of proper dialogue within the Eastern Nagaland Legislators' Union (ENLU) before moving forward with any draft proposals. The ENPO has been advocating for a separate state, citing long-standing neglect.

The Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) and the 20 MLAs of the region should hold discussions on their demand for the Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), state government spokesperson Temjen Imna Along said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme, Along stated that the ENPO has been asking the state government to provide a draft proposal on FNT. However, the government emphasized the necessity of a proper dialogue with the Eastern Nagaland Legislators' Union (ENLU) first.

The state cabinet is optimistic about drafting a proposal soon, but Along stressed that the ENLU and the ENPO must discuss what is realistically achievable. The MLAs, as representatives of the people, need to reach an agreement with ENPO leaders before proceeding, he added.

The ENPO has demanded a separate state comprising six districts in eastern Nagaland, alleging years of neglect. Notably, the seven tribes in this region did not participate in recent Lok Sabha and civic body elections.

Regarding the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) opposing the state government's Political Affairs Committee's (PAC) call for a new interlocutor, Along noted that the PAC seeks a strong leader for early resolution of the Naga Political Issue. He urged the NNPGs to await the Centre's response before making further comments.

(With inputs from agencies.)