The Centre on Thursday signed an agreement with the Nagaland Government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) for the creation of Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).The formation of the FNTA will fulfil a long-standing demand for a new administrative body within the state aimed at addressing the demands of eastern Nagaland.The FNTA will comprise six Nagaland districts: Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator. Also, there would be devolution of power regarding 46 subjects to the FNTA, official sources said.The pact was signed in the Capital in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and members of various Naga tribes were also present on the occasion.The agreement provides for a mini-secretariat for the FNTA, to be headed by the Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary, and sharing of development outlay for eastern Nagaland proportional to population and area.However, the agreement does not affect in any manner whatsoever, the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.This unique arrangement envisages overall development of eastern Nagaland through financial autonomy and enhanced decision-making, leading to accelerated infrastructure development, economic empowerment and optimum resource utilisation, the official sources said.The Home Minister said he wanted to assure the representatives of the ENPO, an apex body representing eight recognised Naga tribes of six eastern districts, that the Centre would assist in the development of the region and also shoulder its responsibility. Shah added that every year a fixed amount would be decided and released. The Ministry of Home Affairs will also provide the initial expenditure for the establishment of the FNTA.Shah said in 2021-22, he had told ENPO representatives that the Centre was committed to finding a solution to every dispute. He had assured them to keep faith and participate in the democratic process.Shah said, “MHA officers worked for a long time as a bridge between the ENPO and the Government of Nagaland. Now, we have been able to resolve the dispute.””We all are very well aware of the ENPO region and its strategic importance. Ever since the creation of Nagaland, citizens of eastern Nagaland have continuously felt in their hearts that they are not receiving justice. I had spoken with Chief Minister Rio, who happily stated that he would discuss and accept all demands of the ENPO,” he said.Congratulating the people of eastern Nagaland and the ENPO, Rio said, “Today, we have taken one more step forward in the direction of ending all disputes in Nagaland.”