Nagaland to Table Revised Frontier Territorial Authority Bill

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced that the revised Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill is scheduled to be tabled during the state Assembly session starting September 1, 2026, with potential passage by September 3. The bill seeks to establish a special institutional arrangement for six districts in Eastern Nagaland, following a February 2026 agreement between the Government of India, the Nagaland Government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO).

The legislation was previously deferred in March 2026 after the Advocate General raised constitutional concerns regarding the state government's authority to delegate legislative powers. The revised version follows consultations between the State Cabinet, the ENPO, and regional legislators to resolve these legal hurdles. Rio confirmed that a letter regarding the revised proposal has been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Beyond the FNTA Bill, Rio stated that efforts are underway to elevate Naga political negotiations. He argued that because the Naga issue is political, negotiations must occur at the highest political level with representatives who possess the formal authority and mandate of the Government of India.