Frontier Nagaland issue: CM Rio clarifies origin of MoS draft, addresses confusion

KOHIMA: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio clarified on Monday that the draft proposal of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) originates from the ministry of home affairs (MHA) and was handed to him by union home minister Amit Shah for discussion with elected members and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO).

This clarification addresses confusion among the public regarding whether the draft proposal presented by the Eastern Nagaland Legislature’s Union (ENLU) during the February 09 meeting originated from the union home ministry or the Nagaland government.

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio highlighted discrepancies between statements from the February 09 meeting, where elected members claimed to have unanimously rejected the proposed draft, while ENPO stated they had not received the draft at that time.

Rio mentioned that the cabinet had decided ENPO and ENLU should hold a meeting to address power-sharing arrangements.

He emphasized that if ENPO desires to receive the draft directly from the ministry of home affairs (MHA) instead of through a third party, they are free to do so.

Regarding the Indo-Naga political issue, Rio reiterated his government's readiness to pave the way for peace once an honourable, acceptable, and inclusive settlement.

Additionally, Rio announced that the Nagaland assembly will discuss the issue of scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR).

ENPO declares electoral boycott until resolution of Frontier Nagaland issue

Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has announced its decision to refrain from participating in both central and state elections until the resolution of the long-standing issue concerning the creation of the ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’ (FNT) by the Indian government.

This resolution was formalized during a collaborative meeting convened on February 23 at Chenmoho village in Mon district of Nagaland.

The gathering included ENPO, along with federating tribal bodies, frontal organizations, talk team members, and senior leaders, all of whom unanimously agreed to abstain from electoral processes due to the prolonged delay in resolving the Frontier Nagaland issue.

ENPO’s stance follows widespread public demonstrations held across all seven districts and ADC headquarters within Eastern Nagaland on February 09.

Thousands of individuals participated in these rallies, demanding the establishment of FNT and the expeditious signing of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS).

Asserting their unwavering commitment, ENPO emphasized that they would not be swayed by any assurances provided by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) after the upcoming parliamentary elections.

They reiterated their determination to pursue alternative courses of action if the aspirations of Eastern Nagaland’s people continued to be neglected.

Subsequent to the demonstrations, tribal bodies presented a memorandum to the Nagaland governor, reiterating their resolve to explore alternative options if the sentiments of Eastern Nagaland’s populace were not acknowledged.

They made it clear that the region would not be held responsible for any potential disruptions should the Election Commission of India announce the model code of conduct without the MoS being signed.

The memorandum urged the governor to expeditiously convey the sentiments to union home minister Amit Shah. ENPO members expressed their disappointment during a media briefing on February 15, highlighting the unfulfilled promises from the Union Home Minister, which had not resulted in the finalization of the FNT draft.

ENPO emphasized that the absence of the draft document served as the primary trigger for the recent protests, urging the ministry of home affairs to provide the document before the enforcement of the Lok Sabha election model code of conduct.

Reiterating their stance from before the 2023 Assembly elections, ENPO reiterated its call for non-participation in any state and central electoral processes until their demand for a separate state, “Frontier Nagaland,” is addressed.