Nagaland Assembly to Tackle Frontier Territory Bill

Kohima: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will present a revised bill for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority during the upcoming monsoon session. The ninth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly convenes on September 1 and 3. Legislators face a heavy agenda. This legislation targets the long-standing demand for autonomy in Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, and Shamator.

The move follows a February Memorandum of Agreement between the state government, the Centre, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation. The state shelved an earlier version of the bill in March. Officials stalled the process because of concerns over the authority's legal standing and constitutional reach. "Rio had earlier indicated that the revised legislation would be brought before the Assembly during the upcoming session."

Consultations with stakeholders helped shape the new draft. Beyond the territorial authority proposal, the two-day meeting includes routine government business. Representatives will address questions, formal reports, and additional resolutions before the session wraps up.