Twelve members were nominated to speak on the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill as the Ninth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly entered its second day on 3rd September 2026.
Opening the discussion, Minister for Housing and Mechanical Engineering, P. Bashangmongba Chang thanked the Government of India and the Government of Nagaland for bringing the FNTA into being. He called it a landmark moment for the State, describing it as the outcome of a collective and joint effort built on shared commitment, not only between the Centre and the State, but between the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) and the State government.
According to the Minister, the FNTA stands as proof of democratic and constitutional processes at work. The road to this point had not been easy, he noted, but it had been a peaceful one, and the government is now expected to usher in prosperity and development for the ENPO region. The Minister also pointed to the FNTA's strategic geographic position, noting that the region serves as a vital gateway for the Government of India's Look East Policy. He highlighted the fresh opportunities this creates and urged the people to work in tandem with the State government to lay a strong foundation for lasting peace and development. He described the formation of the FNTA as the start of a new chapter of hope and unity among the Naga people.
Speaking during the discussion on the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) at the ongoing Assembly Session at NLA, Kohima, Advisor for Information Technology & Communications, Economics & Statistics and Evaluation, Sethrongkyu, spoke on the long journey and significance behind the establishment of the FNTA.
The Advisor noted that the people of Eastern Nagaland, represented by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO), have for over a decade and a half pursued their aspiration to stand at par with the rest of the Naga people, culminating in the sustained demand for a Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority comprising the six districts of Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, the long-pending aspiration would translate into tangible outcomes, opening a new chapter of development, progress and empowerment for the people of Eastern Nagaland.
The Advisor placed on record, on behalf of his people and the Eastern Nagaland Legislators' Union (ENLU), his appreciation to the Government of Nagaland under Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio and his Cabinet colleagues for their consistent support toward the welfare and aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland, stating that this support had contributed significantly to the historic fulfilment of the demand. He also acknowledged the role played by various Naga Tribal Hohos, student bodies, church organisations and civil society groups, whose solidarity and support contributed to the realisation of the FNTA.
Clarifying the nature of the arrangement, the Advisor stated on behalf of the ENLU that the FNTA does not represent a separation from the State of Nagaland, but rather remains an integral part of the state, standing alongside the rest of Nagaland with mutual respect and shared aspirations for peace, progress and prosperity.
He further paid tribute to all stakeholders involved in the historic signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on February 5, 2026, between the Government of India and the ENPO for the constitution of the FNTA within the State of Nagaland, describing the development as a new foundation for the progress of Eastern Nagaland in particular and the state as a whole.
Concluding his remarks, the Advisor appealed to the people of Nagaland to continue extending the same understanding, goodwill and support shown to the people of Eastern Nagaland throughout the process, urging all to remain united by shared history, common identity and a collective aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous future.
Joining the discussion, MLA, Nyamnyei Konyak appealed to the Chief Minister, fellow legislators and the people of ENPO to extend cooperation to one another so that the FNTA can function effectively. Sustainable development, he said, would only be possible if the people moved forward together with both the State and Central governments.
Advisor, P Longon expressed deep appreciation for the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). He conveyed gratitude to the Chief Minister, all 60 Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, ENPO and its stakeholders for their contributions towards the historic development. He stated that the Central Government has demonstrated a progressive and positive approach towards addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of Eastern Nagaland. The creation of the FNTA, he noted, marks the birth of a new institutional mechanism, while emphasising that its journey is yet to begin.
Longon appealed to the ENPO and all stakeholders to work collectively towards realising the aspirations and desires of the people of Eastern Nagaland. He stressed the need to address the issues and challenges faced by the people and ensure that the FNTA grows into an effective institution for their welfare and upliftment.
He further expressed hope that the collective efforts of all concerned would strengthen the newly created authority and pave the way for greater development and progress in Eastern Nagaland.
Advisor, A. Pongshi Phom, expressed appreciation to Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton for their efforts in reviewing and facilitating the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill. He also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paving the way for the creation of the FNTA. He said that the development was a significant step towards addressing the needs and aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland.
Pongshi stated that the people of Eastern Nagaland would remain grateful for the historic development and acknowledged the benevolence and guidance of Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio. He also expressed appreciation to the Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Paiwang Konyak for working tirelessly in the larger interest of the people.
He said that the creation of the FNTA represented the dream and aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland and expressed hope that the hardships and challenges faced by the people over the years would be addressed through the new institutional mechanism.
Participating in the discussion on the FNTA Bill, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along said he felt proud and blessed to be part of what he described as a historic occasion during the 9th Session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He congratulated the people of the six districts of Eastern Nagaland Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Shamator and Noklak saying the formation of the FNTA represented the fulfilment of a long standing aspiration for greater development and empowerment in the region.
Recalling that the demand for a separate administrative arrangement for Eastern Nagaland had been raised with the Government of India more than a decade ago, Along said it was significant that the FNTA Bill had now reached the Assembly for consideration. Supporting the formation of the FNTA, Along said the new arrangement should serve as a platform to accelerate development and fulfil the aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland. He called upon the people to work together, maintain unity and avoid divisions, stressing that the journey ahead should be one in which all sections of Nagaland could participate collectively.
Advisor for School Education, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, while participating in the discussion on the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill, 2026, welcomed the proposed administrative arrangement and congratulated the people of Eastern Nagaland on the historic development.
Yhome said the formation of the FNTA should also be seen as an opportunity to rethink and redesign the approach to development, governance and resource management in the state.
He noted that the eastern districts have historically faced developmental challenges and said the new arrangement should not merely be viewed as a political or administrative exercise, but as a step towards addressing deprivation and creating better opportunities for the people.
Yhome emphasised that financial resources, human resources and natural resources would be key to achieving meaningful development. He urged legislators, administrative heads and heads of departments to pay greater attention to financial management systems, compliance requirements and proper utilisation of available funds. He cautioned that failure to meet compliance requirements could result in the state being unable to access funds available through various financial mechanisms and schemes.
The Advisor also drew attention to the substantial funds available to Nagaland under different Finance Commission allocations and other programmes, stressing that the state must strengthen its systems to ensure that sanctioned resources are fully utilised rather than allowed to lapse.
Speaking from the perspective of the School Education Department, Yhome highlighted the need for greater investment in infrastructure and human capital. He said development should focus not only on physical and technical infrastructure but also on sectors such as healthcare, education, roads and banking, particularly in areas that continue to face developmental deficits.
He further called for better management of government resources and manpower, including improved monitoring of employee deployment and attendance, to ensure that public resources are used efficiently.
Yhome said the challenges faced by Nagaland cannot be attributed solely to geographical difficulties, pointing out that several areas classified as relatively advanced have also experienced persistent developmental gaps. He therefore urged the House to build a system that promotes equitable infrastructure investment and improves access to essential services across the state.
Congratulating the people of Eastern Nagaland, Yhome expressed hope that the FNTA would usher in a new phase of development while encouraging all sections of Nagaland to work together.
Advisor Youth Resource & Sports, S. Keoshu Yimchunger described the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed in February 2026 between the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and the ENPO as the “soul” of the FNTA Bill. He explained that the FNTA is a special arrangement aimed at promoting the development of the six districts of Eastern Nagaland by improving roads, schools, healthcare facilities, employment opportunities, and overall infrastructure. He further assured that the FNTA would not lead to the division of Nagaland, but rather strengthen the unity of its people through inclusive and balanced development.
MLA, Dr. Sukhato A. Sema congratulated the ENPO, ENLO, and the people of Eastern Nagaland for their sustained efforts and persistent pursuit of the demand for FNTA over the years. He expressed optimism that the FNTA would ensure a more equitable distribution of resources, promote balanced regional development, and address the long-standing developmental needs of the eastern areas. He further described it as a significant instrument for accelerating growth and development in the region.
MLA Ar. Jwenga Seb, Advisor, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe and Advisor, Achumbemo Kikon also participated in the discussion and congratulated them for passing the ‘Frontier Nagaland Territorial Bill’.