Centre, Nagaland & ENPO Just Made a Historic Pact – But What Is FNTA?

A major political and administrative breakthrough has taken place in Nagaland. The Centre has signed a tripartite agreement to create the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), addressing a long-pending demand of eastern Nagaland. While the move promises greater autonomy and development, it also carefully protects constitutional safeguards. The agreement is seen as a big step towards peace, inclusion, and balanced regional growth in the Northeast.

Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority,  ENPO & Central Govt. Tri-Partite Agreement

• The Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority came into after the Centre, the Nagaland government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organization (ENPO) signed a tripartite pact on 5 February 2026.
• The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Amit Shah and Neiphiu Rio.
• The pact aims to establish FNTA as a new administrative arrangement within Nagaland to fulfil the aspirations of eastern districts without creating a separate state.

What Is Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)

• The Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority is a proposed autonomous administrative body within Nagaland.
• It will cover six eastern districts – Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator.
• Under the agreement, 46 subjects will be devolved to FNTA, allowing greater local decision-making.
• A mini-secretariat headed by an Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary will be established.
• The arrangement is described as a “unique model” aimed at faster development, financial autonomy, and effective governance.

Reason For Eastern Nagaland Demanded Autonomy

• The demand for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority originates from long-standing grievances of eastern Nagaland.
• The ENPO, representing eight tribes across the six districts, had been demanding a separate state since 2010, citing decades of neglect, underdevelopment, and lack of political attention.
• Over time, the organisation agreed to the Centre’s proposal of enhanced autonomy instead of full statehood.
• The FNTA framework is seen as a middle path that balances unity with local aspirations.

Key Features of the FNTA Agreement

• The Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority agreement provides for shared development funding, with budgetary allocation proportional to population and area.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs will support initial establishment costs.
• The FNTA will have enhanced financial powers, faster administrative approvals, and focused infrastructure planning.
• According to the Centre, this arrangement will ensure economic empowerment, optimal use of resources, and accelerated development of eastern Nagaland while keeping the state structure intact.

Relation To Article 371(A): What Will Not Change

• A crucial assurance in the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority agreement is that it does not affect Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
• Article 371(A) provides special protections to Nagaland relating to customary laws, land ownership, and social practices.
• The government clarified that FNTA is purely an administrative arrangement and does not dilute Nagaland’s constitutional safeguards.
• This reassurance was key in building trust among stakeholders and ensuring political consensus.

About Eastern Nagaland and Strategic Importance

• Eastern Nagaland shares borders with Myanmar and holds strategic importance for internal security and connectivity.
• Historically, the region has lagged behind in infrastructure and economic indicators.
• Special administrative arrangements like FNTA aim to integrate development with security considerations.
• Similar territorial authorities exist in other parts of India to address regional aspirations without altering state boundaries.

Question

Q. Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority will cover how many districts?

A. Four
B. Five
C. Six
D. Eight