Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)

Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)

Context

On February 5, 2026, a landmark tripartite agreement was signed in New Delhi between the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO). This pact establishes the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), an autonomous body designed to empower six eastern districts of Nagaland while maintaining the state's territorial integrity.

About the Tripartite Agreement

What it is? The FNTA is a unique administrative and territorial governance structure. It provides substantial legislative, executive, and financial autonomy to the Eastern Nagaland region. Unlike the Sixth Schedule areas, this is a special arrangement crafted specifically for Nagaland’s unique constitutional landscape.

Parties Involved:

• Government of India: Represented by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Government of Nagaland: Led by the Chief Minister.
• ENPO: The apex body representing eight recognized Naga tribes (Konyak, Sangtam, Chang, Khiamniungan, Yimkhiung, Tikhir, Phom, and Sumi).

Geographical Coverage: The authority governs six eastern districts: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator.

Core Objectives

• Regional Equity: Addressing long-standing grievances regarding the lack of development and economic neglect in Eastern Nagaland.
• Enhanced Autonomy: Devolving decision-making powers to local tribal representatives.
• Peace & Stability: Providing a democratic alternative to statehood demands, thereby reducing political alienation.

Key Features of FNTA

• Administrative Structure:
  • Legislative Body: A 49-member body comprising 40 directly elected members and 9 members nominated by the Governor.
  • Mini-Secretariat: A regional administrative hub headed by a senior official of Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary rank.
• Devolution of Powers:
  • The FNTA will have authority over 46 specified subjects (primarily developmental and welfare-oriented, such as agriculture, rural development, and local infrastructure).
• Financial Autonomy:
  • Direct Funding: A fixed annual allocation from the Centre, with the MHA bearing the initial establishment costs.
  • Proportional Sharing: State development outlays for the region will be shared based on population and area.
• Constitutional Safeguard:
  • The agreement explicitly ensures that Article 371(A) remains fully intact. This protects Naga customary laws, social practices, and land ownership from outside interference.
• Interim Nature:
  • The arrangement is initially set for a 10-year period, after which it will be reviewed through democratic political processes.

Significance

• Asymmetric Federalism: Demonstrates the Indian Constitution's flexibility in accommodating diverse regional aspirations without altering state boundaries.
• Inclusive Governance: Shifts focus from the state capital to the grassroots, enabling "people-centered planning."
• Security & Strategy: Stabilizes a region that shares a strategic border with Myanmar, aligning with India’s Act East Policy.

Conclusion

The creation of the FNTA marks a "middle path" in Naga politics, balancing the ENPO's historic demand for a separate state with the need for Nagaland's unity. As described by local leaders, the agreement is the "beginning of an administrative journey" toward total regional transformation.