Why has eastern Nagaland got autonomy?, Pg13

Key Highlights:

• On February 5, the Centre, Nagaland Government, and ENPO signed an agreement to form the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).
• The FNTA grants significant administrative and financial autonomy to six eastern districts: Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang.
• The ENPO initially demanded a separate ‘Frontier Nagaland’ state due to perceived developmental disparities and administrative dominance by western Naga tribes.
• The Centre intervened due to strategic concerns, particularly the region's proximity to Myanmar and the need to address the political aspirations of the eastern tribes.

Detailed Insights:

• The ENPO's demand for a separate state stemmed from the pre-1947 British policy that left the hills as an un-administered frontier, leading to a developmental gap.
• The six eastern districts felt politically and economically marginalized after Nagaland was formed in 1963, leading to resentment against the western Naga tribes.
• The Centre's decision was influenced by the ENPO's threat to boycott the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the strategic importance of the region bordering Myanmar.
• The FNTA includes a mini-Secretariat headed by a high-ranking officer to bring state machinery closer to the eastern tribes, reducing dependence on Kohima.
• Development funds will be shared proportionally based on population and area, with the Ministry of Home Affairs providing initial establishment costs.
• The FNTA will have legislative and executive powers over 46 subjects, including land use, agriculture, rural development, and infrastructure.
• The agreement preserves Article 371(A) of the Constitution, safeguarding the unique customary laws and social practices of the Naga people.
• The FNTA model's applicability to the Kuki-Zo demand in Manipur is questioned due to the lack of trust between communities and opposition from the Manipur government.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Devolutionary Autonomy: Transfer of powers to a lower level, especially by central government to local or regional administration.
• Article 371(A): Constitutional provision specific to Nagaland, protecting Naga customary law, land ownership, and resource management.
• Article 371(C): Provision in Manipur to protect tribal interests through the Hill Areas Committee.