Eastern Nagaland rallies for settlement of Frontier Nagaland Territory before LS poll

Resolution Adopted on February 9

“…We shall be compelled to take our own course of action in the event of not honoring the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland, and thereafter if Election Model Code of Conduct is declared by the ECI without signing the MoS. We shall not be held responsible for any untoward situation that may arise in Eastern Nagaland region.”

Morung Express News
Kiphire/Tuensang | February 10

Mass public rallies were held across the various district headquarters and sub-divisions of Eastern Nagaland under the banner of Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) in protest against the delay in signing of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) for the ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory.’ 

The ENPO is demanding that the Government of India honour the aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland as reportedly assured by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in settling the issue before the upcoming Lok Sabha election of 2024. 

In Tuensang town, the Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS) hosted the public rally at Parade Ground on February 9. The rally saw an attendance of more than 16000 people gathering from various tribes including Chang, Sangtam, Yimkhiung, Khiamniungan, Tikhir and Eastern Sumi along with various tribal organizations and their leaders. 

ENPO president, R Tsapikiu, briefing on the ongoing demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) reiterated that the movement for this demand has reached 13 years. He mentioned that it is the demand of all the people of Eastern Nagaland irrespective of age and their positions in the society and therefore no one can deny for the movement.

“After thorough deliberations and drafting, the demand was presented and Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister of India assured that there will be a solution within one or two weeks. However, there has been no progress being made on this,” he stated. 

“The Union Home Minister assured the ENPO that the arrangement will be completed before the declaration of the parliamentary election but there has been no improvement and we are not happy,” he added. 

While asserting that they will not back down from their demand, he called the people of Eastern Nagaland to stay united and not lose heart while stating that all the arrangements are made and the demand is in its final stage. He also said that if this arrangement is not fulfilled then they will go back to their ‘original’ demand which is the demand for the statehood.

Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF) president Chingmak said, “On 6th December 2022, Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister of India called us and assured that the Government of India will give a solution based on legislative, executive and financial autonomy within 75 days to us,” he mentioned.

He further stated that, “We were about to boycott the state election but with the assurance that our demand will be materialized before the Nagaland Legislative Assembly election, we retuned back from Delhi. Even after our return we were assured that there will be signing after the election.”

Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS) president Nungsanglemba Chang questioned, “Why are our people being misled, we are claiming what is ours and there will be no effect on others if our demands are made. Why are people misinterpreting the draft in the demand for FNT,” he asserted.

A resolution was adopted which was signed by the Presidents of CKS, CWS and Changsao Thangjam Setshang (CWS) and was submitted to the Governor of Nagaland through Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang. 

In Kiphire, the mass public rally was organized by United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USLP) at public ground Kiphire.
Briefly highlighting the demand of statehood for ENPO and the talk held so far between ENPO talk team and GoI to the gathering, Talk Team Convenor, K Asungba Sangtam said ‘GoI has acknowledged the demand of ENPO demand for ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’ and it was just a matter of time before signing Memorandum of Settlement (MoS)between ENPO and GoI’.

He also stated that Home Minister Amit Shah assured ENPO talk team and delegation that MoS will be signed before Model Code of Conduct (MCC) come into effect before the Lok Sabha election. 

Asungba further added that Amit Shah has also told ENPO delegation of the problem in giving full statehood to ENPO as there was similar demand from across India but will provide ENPO with separate administrative unit to look after the welfare of ENPO.
He stated that public rally was being organised in ENPO area to peacefully demonstrate to the Government of India the desire of the public to sign MoS at the earliest as promised.  Since becoming the affiliated member of ENPO, Eastern Sumi Hoho (ESH) also took active participation in their first public rally organised by USLP after becoming the member of ENPO. 

Short speeches were also delivered by Sethrongba President USSC; Phutoi Vice President ESH; Chumtsase, Dy Speaker ENSF; S Apila Sangtam, President AST; T Zukiumong Sangtam, Ex Member USLP and Throngseli Sangtam, Hd GB, Kiphire town.

Meanwhile similar program was also held by USLP in Collaboration with ESH at Seyochung ADC HQ and Pungro HQ by YTC. In Mon town, the public rally was organized by Konyak Union Mon where thousands of people from all walks of life including the students attended the rally. 

The public rallies were also held in Tizit and Tobu sub-divisions and in Longleng town.