Nagaland Clears Historic FNTA Bill, Paving Way for Greater Eastern Autonomy

The Nagaland Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill, 2026, paving the way for a new governance framework aimed at accelerating development across six eastern districts.

The legislation, moved by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, provides for the constitution of the FNTA covering Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Shamator. The authority is intended to decentralise governance, strengthen local participation and address longstanding development gaps in the region.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described the FNTA as a “unique self-governing territorial authority” within Nagaland and said it would help fulfil the aspirations of Eastern Nagaland’s people. He stressed that the six districts would remain an integral part of the state.

The Bill follows a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on February 5, 2026, between the Centre, Nagaland government and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO). The ENPO has been seeking greater autonomy for the region since 2010, citing persistent development disparities affecting several tribal communities.

Rio said an earlier version of the Bill introduced in March was deferred after the Ministry of Home Affairs sought clarity on legislative powers. Following consultations, the state Cabinet approved revised legislation in July, including provisions for legislative powers over transferred subjects in consultation with and with the approval of the MHA.

The Chief Minister said Article 371A safeguards would remain “inviolable” and that the authority would have planning and financial mechanisms based on grassroots requirements. The state would allocate funds according to population and geographical size, while the Centre would provide Special Development Grants.

Rio also said Nagaland had requested the Centre to raise the proposed Rs 5,000-crore special development package to at least Rs 10,000 crore.

Legislators across parties welcomed the Bill, emphasising that the FNTA was an arrangement for greater administrative empowerment and equitable development, not separation. Members highlighted the need for improved roads, healthcare, education, connectivity, livelihoods and border trade infrastructure.