According to people familiar with the matter, Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO), representing seven Naga tribes in Eastern Nagaland, has welcomed the proposal by the Centre to establish an autonomous council encompassing six districts of the state.

This proposal comes in response to a long-standing demand for a separate state in the region. The ENPO had been advocating for a separate state due to socio-economic backwardness and has engaged in discussions with the Indian government and the state government since 2015.

The Centre recently offered the formation of Frontier Naga Territory with legislative, executive, administration, and financial autonomy. The performance of this new autonomous council will be reviewed after 10 years to assess its effectiveness in meeting the aspirations of the people in eastern Nagaland. The ENPO, while accepting the proposal, emphasized the importance of unity and togetherness, stating that they would not insist on dividing the Nagaland State.

In response to the proposal, the Nagaland cabinet, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, held a meeting in Kohima. However, further details about the Centre's proposal were not disclosed. Some political observers in the state have expressed reservations regarding the immediate implementation of the proposal, citing potential political ramifications in the northeast region, particularly considering the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted that certain modalities between the Centre and ENPO still need consensus before implementation. Additionally, the official stated that the Centre must carefully consider the current situation in Manipur before proceeding with the autonomous council for ENPO. Naga People's Front (NPF) legislator Kuzholuzo Nienu noted that if the Centre is discussing an autonomous regional council for ENPO, similar considerations should be given to the Manipur crisis.

The ENPO expressed its hope for a future where they can contribute equally to the prosperity of the Naga community and called upon the state government and other Naga communities to support the demand of the people in the region.

Image source: ANI