In a significant step towards peace and development in Northeast India, the Central Government, the Nagaland government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Thursday, February 5, 2026, to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). The FNTA is aimed at bringing focused governance and development to the eastern Nagaland region.
The agreement, signed in New Delhi, was witnessed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Shah hailed the agreement as a crucial step towards peace and progress in the Northeast. He also assured that the Centre would provide complete support and fulfill its responsibilities for the development of eastern Nagaland. The initial expenses for setting up the FNTA will be borne by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and subsequent annual funding will be decided upon in consultation with the state government.
Rio described the agreement as "historic," reflecting mutual trust and a collective resolve to address the long-standing aspirations of eastern Nagaland while strengthening inclusive development across the state. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their support. He also thanked the Union Home Secretary, state government officials, and the ENPO for their cooperation in finalizing the MoA. Rio voiced his hope and belief that the agreement would address the aspirations of eastern Nagaland and the state at large, ensuring development reaches every doorstep.
The FNTA will cover the six eastern districts of Nagaland: Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, and Shamator. The agreement also makes way for the devolution of powers in respect of 46 subjects to the FNTA.
The ENPO has been demanding a separate state since 2010, citing decades of neglect in the region. The organization later accepted the Centre's proposal for a territorial authority with enhanced autonomy under the FNTA framework. Home Secretary Govind Mohan stated that the MoA would help conclude long-drawn negotiations and ensure that the local aspirations of eastern Nagaland are met through institutionalized governance and development mechanisms.
Amit Shah highlighted the Centre's commitment to the Northeast, stating that since 2019, the government has signed 12 major agreements in the region. He emphasized that the agreement is meant to bring justice and development to eastern Nagaland. Shah also recalled that the ENPO had earlier threatened to boycott elections and that sustained dialogue had helped bridge differences.
The Nagaland Cabinet had previously reviewed the ENPO's demand for a Frontier Nagaland Territory and expressed optimism for a breakthrough. A sub-committee, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, was formed to engage with the Centre on political and constitutional matters related to the FNTA.
The signing of the MoA marks the culmination of years of negotiations and represents a significant step forward in addressing the developmental needs and aspirations of the people of eastern Nagaland. It is expected to usher in a new era of focused governance and development in the region, fostering greater peace and prosperity.