Thu Oct 31 07:41:07 UTC 2024: ## Nagaland Cabinet Approves Special Powers for Eastern Nagaland, Addressing Long-Standing Demand
**Kohima, October 30:** The Nagaland Cabinet has approved a proposal to grant special powers to the six eastern districts of the state, fulfilling a long-standing demand from the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO). The decision comes after years of negotiation and protest by the ENPO, who represent eight tribes in the region.
The new Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority (FNTA) will provide special autonomy to the eastern region, addressing concerns about neglect and underdevelopment. ENPO has sought statehood for the region since 2010, and the move towards FNTA follows a tripartite dialogue between the Centre, the state government, and the ENPO.
The ENPO had boycotted the Lok Sabha and Urban Local Body polls earlier this year to press for their demand.
“The Cabinet decided that the state government would soon respond to the proposals of the Centre on the ENPO demand,” said C L John, government spokesperson and Cabinet Minister. He added that the FNTA will be established within the framework of Nagaland and under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, which grants special privileges to the state.
In a separate matter, the Cabinet expressed strong resentment over reported encroachments along the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) by neighbouring Assam. The Cabinet will approach both the Centre and the Assam government to resolve the issue.
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