New Delhi/Kohima, Feb 6 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Friday that the recently established tripartite agreement involving the Centre, the Nagaland government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) is set to improve the growth path of Eastern Nagaland.

He expressed confidence that this agreement would create new opportunities and foster prosperity for the local populace.

Sharing a message from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on his X account, PM Modi remarked, “This indeed is a historic agreement that will significantly enhance the development trajectory of Eastern Nagaland.”

“I firmly believe this will pave the way for new opportunities and prosperity for the people. It symbolizes our steadfast commitment to peace, progress, and inclusive growth in the Northeast, ” he added.

This tripartite agreement was finalized on Thursday in Delhi, marking a significant step toward administrative empowerment in Eastern Nagaland, and was executed between the Centre, the Nagaland government, and the ENPO, which represents eight recognized Naga tribes from six eastern districts.

According to officials, the pact facilitates the transfer of authority over 46 subjects to the six eastern districts.

“The agreement will facilitate the establishment of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for the six districts of Nagaland—Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak, and Shamator—and the devolution of powers concerning 46 subjects to the FNTA,” an official statement noted.

The signing ceremony was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, ENPO leaders, and officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Nagaland government.

Post-signing, the Home Minister remarked that Thursday marked a crucial day for a dispute-free Northeast, as the Prime Minister envisions a region devoid of insurgency, violence, and disputes while fostering development.

“Today, we have made yet another stride toward realizing that vision,” he stated, recalling that 11 years ago, various armed factions and disputes in the Northeast were steering the region towards fragmentation and disrupting peace, alongside inter-state disputes that were also causing unrest.

HM Shah assured that the government, under Prime Minister Modi, is dedicated to resolving every dispute, mentioning that since 2019, the Modi administration has successfully signed 12 significant agreements in the Northeast.

He emphasized that while previous administrations merely signed agreements, the Modi government ensures their implementation in both letter and spirit.

HM Shah reassured ENPO representatives that the Government of India will aid in the development of Eastern Nagaland and assume its responsibilities.

He noted that a fixed annual amount will be established, with the MHA also facilitating the initial expenses for the establishment.

In 2021-22, he had assured ENPO representatives that PM Modi’s government is committed to resolving every dispute.

HM Shah expressed great joy, stating that after MHA officers worked diligently as a bridge between ENPO and the Government of Nagaland, “we have successfully resolved this dispute today.”

The agreement also includes provisions for a mini-secretariat for FNTA, led by an Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary, and outlines a development budget for the Eastern Nagaland region based on population and area. However, it does not alter the provisions of Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution in any way.