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News18
8 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Nagaland CM, ministers leave for Delhi to meet Shah
Agency: Kohima, Aug 19 (PTI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and several ministers left for New Delhi on Tuesday to hold meetings with the Home Ministry on several key issues of the state. State government spokesperson and Minister C L John, who is already in Delhi, said that the delegation is scheduled to meet Shah after August 20. The Cabinet has already submitted a document to the ministry with several major issues concerning the welfare of the state including the ongoing Naga political issue and demand for Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). In the proposed mechanism, six eastern districts of the state will be granted a certain level of autonomy. Government spokesperson and minister Kenye, at a press conference on August 6, said the Cabinet would leave for Delhi regarding the progress on the FNTA, which has been a core demand in the ongoing tripartite talks with the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation. Issues such as Free Movement Regime (FMR) along Indo-Myanmar border and re-imposition of Protected Area Permit in the state could also be discussed at the meeting. The Centre in December scaled back the FMR from 16 km to 10 km, and restricted entry-exit to nine designated points while also re-imposing PAP, which regulated the entry of foreigners into the state. The Nagaland government has expressed concern that the revised rules will impose hardships on border villagers who traditionally rely on free cross-border movement for their socio-economic needs. Matters pertaining to the construction of Foothill Road, also known as Trans-national highway, from Tizit in Mon to Khelma in Peren district, an airport in the state capital and also smaller airports in Mon, Tuensang and Mokokchung districts have also been put up to the Union Home Minister for discussion, John told PTI. Upon return of the chief minister, the Cabinet would hold the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting to brief legislators about the meeting, Kenye told reporters here. PTI NBS NN view comments First Published: August 19, 2025, 19:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Loading comments...
Indian Express
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Why Nagaland govt is ruffled over Centre's ‘suggestion' amid talks on autonomy for six eastern districts
As the talks to grant greater autonomy to the six districts of Eastern Nagaland gain pace, the state government has expressed concern about the suggestion to include a new provision in the Constitution for the Frontier Naga Territory, the proposed new political and administrative unit. It would effectively 'bifurcate' the state, the government has said. Following a meeting of the state Cabinet on Wednesday, where the issue was discussed at length, state Minister Kenye said a new Constitutional provision apart from the existing Article 371A, which provides special protections to Nagaland, would be 'catastrophic'. The Cabinet met two weeks after representatives of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) and the Neiphiu Rio-led state administration met in New Delhi. At the meeting, the MHA directed the state government to clear its stand on some key issues within a fortnight. This was the third tripartite meeting on the issue, while deliberations have largely been ongoing between the Centre and ENPO, which has been leading the demand for statehood for the region for decades. Claiming that the state government had been 'kept in the dark' on the Centre-ENPO deliberations for years, Kenye said the suggestion for a separate provision in the Constitution was brought to the notice of the Nagaland Cabinet only on Wednesday. Articles 371 and 371A through J provide 'special provisions' for specific states to allow certain religious and social groups to exercise autonomy over their affairs without interference from the state and central governments. Article 371A relates to Nagaland and according to the provision, Parliament cannot enact laws that affect the social, religious or customary legal practices of Nagas or the transfer and ownership of land without the concurrence of the Assembly. Mizoram has similar provisions under Article 371G, and Article 371 B and C allow the creation of special committees of representatives from tribal or hill areas in the Assemblies of Assam and Manipur. Referring to the recommendation as a 'matter of major concern', Kenye said the Cabinet would travel to Delhi to 'hear from the horse's mouth'. 'At no point did the Centre indicate such an intention to us. Nor have the ENPO thought that such a thing would be possible … But this is something that just cropped up today (Wednesday) during the discussion and it appears to be an idea mooted by the Centre,' he said. Kenye added that the state government was made to understand that whatever was being worked out would be under Article 371A. 'Today, one corner of our deliberation more or less started implying that there would be a new Article… Assam is (371) B, Manipur is C, Mizoram is D, Sikkim is E, Arunachal is F, H, I, J. Now if they say that this new entity will be under Article 371K, that would mean something outside Article 371A is born… In fact, the state would have nothing to do with it anymore. So before we proceed further, I think there are certain areas that we have to ascertain,' he said. In 2019, Northeastern states were on the edge after the Centre scrapped Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Saying that the state government was not in favour of Article 371A coming up for scrutiny in Parliament, Kenye said, 'Other issues (with regard to autonomy) are minor. Be it judiciary, finance, administration, or legislature, the state has no objection. What the state and the people are concerned about is whether we are going to be bifurcated by way of giving them a new article. Whether 371A is again going to be under the scrutiny of Parliament is what we are apprehensive about.' During the course of negotiation, the ENPO's demand for a separate state has evolved into a 'special arrangement' called the Frontier Naga Territory within the state. Citing the relative backwardness of the six districts, the demand escalated in 2010 and again flared up ahead of the 2023 Assembly polls, which it had threatened to boycott. Citing assurance from the MHA that a 'mutually agreed upon solution' would be reached and implemented after the election, the ENPO withdrew the boycott call. However, claiming that the state government was stalling the issue, the organisation boycotted last year's Lok Sabha elections with no voting taking place across the six districts. ENPO president Chingmak Chang and general secretary Honang Konyak could not be reached for comment.
Indian Express
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Why Nagaland govt is ruffled over Centre's ‘suggestion' amid talks on Eastern Nagaland autonomy
As the talks to grant greater autonomy to the six districts of Eastern Nagaland gain pace, the state government has expressed concern about the suggestion to include a new provision in the Constitution for the Frontier Naga Territory, the proposed new political and administrative unit. It would effectively 'bifurcate' the state, the government has said. Following a meeting of the state Cabinet on Wednesday, where the issue was discussed at length, state Minister Kenye said a new Constitutional provision apart from the existing Article 371A, which provides special protections to Nagaland, would be 'catastrophic'. The Cabinet met two weeks after representatives of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) and the Neiphiu Rio-led state administration met in New Delhi. At the meeting, the MHA directed the state government to clear its stand on some key issues within a fortnight. This was the third tripartite meeting on the issue, while deliberations have largely been ongoing between the Centre and ENPO, which has been leading the demand for statehood for the region for decades. Claiming that the state government had been 'kept in the dark' on the Centre-ENPO deliberations for years, Kenye said the suggestion for a separate provision in the Constitution was brought to the notice of the Nagaland Cabinet only on Wednesday. Articles 371 and 371A through J provide 'special provisions' for specific states to allow certain religious and social groups to exercise autonomy over their affairs without interference from the state and central governments. Article 371A relates to Nagaland and according to the provision, Parliament cannot enact laws that affect the social, religious or customary legal practices of Nagas or the transfer and ownership of land without the concurrence of the Assembly. Mizoram has similar provisions under Article 371G, and Article 371 B and C allow the creation of special committees of representatives from tribal or hill areas in the Assemblies of Assam and Manipur. Referring to the recommendation as a 'matter of major concern', Kenye said the Cabinet would travel to Delhi to 'hear from the horse's mouth'. 'At no point did the Centre indicate such an intention to us. Nor have the ENPO thought that such a thing would be possible … But this is something that just cropped up today (Wednesday) during the discussion and it appears to be an idea mooted by the Centre,' he said. Kenye added that the state government was made to understand that whatever was being worked out would be under Article 371A. 'Today, one corner of our deliberation more or less started implying that there would be a new Article… Assam is (371) B, Manipur is C, Mizoram is D, Sikkim is E, Arunachal is F, H, I, J. Now if they say that this new entity will be under Article 371K, that would mean something outside Article 371A is born… In fact, the state would have nothing to do with it anymore. So before we proceed further, I think there are certain areas that we have to ascertain,' he said. In 2019, Northeastern states were on the edge after the Centre scrapped Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Saying that the state government was not in favour of Article 371A coming up for scrutiny in Parliament, Kenye said, 'Other issues (with regard to autonomy) are minor. Be it judiciary, finance, administration, or legislature, the state has no objection. What the state and the people are concerned about is whether we are going to be bifurcated by way of giving them a new article. Whether 371A is again going to be under the scrutiny of Parliament is what we are apprehensive about.' During the course of negotiation, the ENPO's demand for a separate state has evolved into a 'special arrangement' called the Frontier Naga Territory within the state. Citing the relative backwardness of the six districts, the demand escalated in 2010 and again flared up ahead of the 2023 Assembly polls, which it had threatened to boycott. Citing assurance from the MHA that a 'mutually agreed upon solution' would be reached and implemented after the election, the ENPO withdrew the boycott call. However, claiming that the state government was stalling the issue, the organisation boycotted last year's Lok Sabha elections with no voting taking place across the six districts. ENPO president Chingmak Chang and general secretary Honang Konyak could not be reached for comment.
Hindustan Times
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Nagaland reservation policy: Five tribes committee slams cabinet's stand; plans joint meeting
Kohima, The five Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy on Thursday strongly criticised the Nagaland Cabinet's decision on Backward Tribes reservation issue, calling it a repeat of its June 12 decision that failed to address their key demands. Nagaland reservation policy: Five tribes committee slams cabinet's stand; plans joint meeting In a press statement, CORRP convener Tesinlo Semy and member secretary GK Zhimomi expressed disappointment that the state government has again ignored their core concerns and proceeded with the formation of a reservation review commission, including civil society organisations such as the Central Nagaland Tribes Council, Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation, and Tenyimi Union Nagaland. CORRP's core demands are framing the terms of reference and the composition of an independent commission to review the decades-old reservation policy. The committee alleged that the composition announced by the government lacks neutrality and reflects a partisan approach. It also took strong exception to remarks made by government spokesperson and minister KG Kenye during a media briefing following the cabinet meeting held here on Wednesday. Citing official data, Kenye said, "Five non-backward tribes currently occupy 64 per cent of government jobs, whereas the 10 backward tribes hold only 34 per cent." However, to address this imbalance, the government will constitute a reservation review commission, led by a retired senior government official, he added. The commission has been tasked to submit its report within six months from the day it is formally appointed, but the implementation of the reforms may coincide with the caste-based census scheduled by the Centre in January 2026, the minister said. Rejecting Kenye's justification, CORRP alleged, "The partisan attitude of the government spokesperson in justifying 48 years of indefinite reservation policy and throwing up wild imaginary figures in government employment as well as interlinking the reservation review commission outcome with the next census has only added insult to our movement." CORRP announced that it will hold a joint sitting with the five apex tribal bodies in Kohima on Saturday to decide the next course of action. The push for a review of Nagaland's reservation policy intensified after the five tribal apex bodies under the banner of CoORRP submitted a joint memorandum to the state government recently. They argued that the policy, which has been in place since 1977, no longer reflects the current socio-economic and educational realities of the various communities in the state. The committee held at least two phases of agitation – on May 29 and July 9 — in the form of protest rallies across multiple district headquarters . Initially, 25 per cent reservation was allocated for seven tribes in non-technical and non-gazetted posts for a period of 10 years. These tribes were designated as 'backward' based on educational and economic disadvantages, and limited representation in state services. Over the years, the reservation increased to 37 per cent, comprising 25 per cent for seven Eastern Nagaland Backward Tribes and 12 per cent for four other backward tribes of the state. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hindustan Times
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Nagaland against separate Constitutional Article for ENPO demand
Kohima, The Nagaland government on Wednesday strongly opposed the Centre's proposal to grant a separate constitutional provision — potentially under Article 370 — for the proposed Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority , calling it a move that would "amount to territorial bifurcation of the state". Nagaland against separate Constitutional Article for ENPO demand Addressing a press conference in Kohima following the state cabinet meeting, Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs and Government Spokesperson K G Kenye said that while the state supports the demand for administrative, financial, and judicial autonomy for the Eastern region, it is firmly against the creation of any separate political identity that severs its constitutional and territorial link with Nagaland. "The state government is not opposed to autonomy as per the original demand of the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation , but we will not support any arrangement that detaches the region through a separate constitutional article," Kenye stated. He said the Centre's proposal to place the FNTA under a new constitutional article, akin to Article 370, has raised serious concerns. Instead, the state government proposes an arrangement under Article 371A, similar to the autonomous councils in Assam under Article 371B, he said, adding that the state cabinet also flagged suggestions such as granting voting rights to ex officio members in regional councils as unconstitutional. A Nagaland Cabinet delegation is scheduled to visit New Delhi after Independence Day to present the state's stand before the Union Home Ministry, Kenye said. The state government has also decided to review its 48-year-old job reservation policy in response to increasing pressure from both backward and non-backward tribes in the state. While five major tribes have demanded a revision, other backward tribes are calling for its continuation. Citing official data, Kenye said, "Five non-backward tribes currently occupy 64 per cent of government jobs, whereas ten backward tribes hold only 34 per cent". However, to address this imbalance, the government will constitute a Reservation Review Commission, led by a retired senior government official. The Commission will include one official each from the Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department and Law and Justice Department, the Home Commissioner, along with a representative each from the Central Nagaland Tribes Council , ENPO, and Tenyimi Union. The Commission is tasked to submit its report within six months from the day it would be formally appointed, but the implementation of the reforms may coincide with the caste-based census scheduled by the Centre in January 2026, the minister said. On the Inner Line Permit regime, Kenye said the state has operationalised a comprehensive legal framework under the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, moving beyond the earlier system that relied only on executive orders. Particular focus has been laid on border districts like Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland, where unregulated migration following eviction drives in Assam has sparked concern. A government sub-committee has been formed to classify migrant categories and chalk out enforcement strategies. While acknowledging the proactive role of civil society, village councils, and student bodies in maintaining vigil within their jurisdiction, Kenye urged them not to take the law into their own hands, but to support law enforcement in regulating the ILP. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
