FNTA a significant gesture of Naga unity
Dimapur, February 11 (MExN): The Eastern Konyak Union (EKU) has welcomed the signing of the Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority (FNTA) for the six eastern districts of Nagaland, describing it as a distinctive administrative mechanism rooted in the historical and political aspirations of the Eastern Naga people.
The EKU in a press release acknowledged the decades-long efforts of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) in pursuing the demand, noting that the ENPO remains the apex representative body of Eastern Naga communities, including those residing across what it termed the “artificial boundary line.”
The union expressed appreciation to ENPO leaders for their sustained commitment towards securing political recognition and development for the region. It also extended gratitude to Naga civil society and political leaders who extended unconditional support to the FNTA Memorandum of Agreement, calling it “a significant gesture of Naga unity in practical terms.”
The Eastern Konyak Naga people urged veteran and pioneer leaders of the ENPO as well as the Nagaland state leadership to recognise the historical and ethnic ties that bind the Naga communities on both sides of the international border.
The union drew attention to the plight of Nagas residing in adjoining areas of eastern Myanmar, describing the region as being “in total darkness” and lacking basic governance and infrastructure. The EKU highlighted that they have no government in the eastern land. The Myanmar government has neglected the ‘area and shown no mercy to public lives.’
It appealed to the ENPO, the Nagaland state government, and the Government of India to extend development and humanitarian assistance to Naga-inhabited areas across the border.
The EKU further recalled that border area communities have historically depended on the ENPO and Naga civil society for education and essential needs, based on “time immemorial bloodline ties.” It expressed hope that development initiatives would eventually reach these neglected regions on humanitarian grounds.
