The demand for greater autonomy for Eastern Nagaland districts

Sub : Polity

Sec: Federalism

Context:

Recently, the Nagaland government said it was ready to share its views on the Centre’s draft agreement for more autonomy for the state’s six eastern districts.

Historical Context of the Demand for Autonomy:

The demand for greater autonomy or a separate state for Eastern Nagaland has been longstanding and has gained momentum in recent years.
In November 2010, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office, demanding a separate state with special status and provisions to address the region’s underdevelopment.
The ENPO’s argument emphasizes a development deficit in the region.

Current status:

Several rounds of discussions have taken place between the ENPO, the Union Home Ministry, and the Nagaland government. These discussions have revolved around the possibility of greater autonomy rather than full statehood.
In early 2024, the central government sent a draft Memorandum of Settlement to the Nagaland government seeking comments on an arrangement for greater autonomy.
The state government is now ready to forward its comments to the Centre.

Eastern Nagaland:

Eastern Nagaland comprises six districts: Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang.
This region is home to seven tribes: Konyak, Khiamniungan, Chang, Sangtam, Tikhir, Phom, and Yimkhiung.
The population of these districts makes up over 30% of Nagaland’s total population.
These districts hold 20 out of 60 seats in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Nature of Autonomy:

The proposal being discussed is for a Frontier Naga Territory, which would involve a separate legislature, executive, and financial powers for the eastern districts within Nagaland.
The Nagaland state government has expressed support for an arrangement that maintains the region’s ties to the state capital, Kohima, while creating a regional council in Eastern Nagaland to oversee local issues.
The arrangement would align with Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution, which already provides special provisions for Nagaland.

Article 371(A) and its relevance to Eastern Nagaland:

The state of Nagaland was carved out of Assam in 1963 as a result of 16-point agreement between the Naga People’s Convention and the Union of India.
Article 371(A) provides for special provisions for the new state, including protection of Naga customary laws and rights.
Both the 16-Point Agreement and Article 371(A) provided for the undivided Tuensang district (now the six eastern districts) to be governed directly by the Governor due to its underdevelopment.
This arrangement was meant to last for 10 years, until the local tribes were capable of handling more advanced administration. This system was dismantled in 1973.