Separate State in Eastern Nagaland – ENPO

Nagaland, a vibrant state in Northeast India, is known for its diverse tribal communities, each with its rich culture and heritage. However, within this unity lies a demand for separation—a call by the people of Eastern Nagaland for a distinct identity and greater autonomy. This movement is centered around six districts: Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang. These districts, united under the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO), feel marginalized, deprived, and overlooked by the state government. Today, we explore the reasons behind this demand, its history, and the response from the state and central governments.

To understand the demand for a separate state, we must look back to the region’s historical grievances. In November 2010, the ENPO submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, calling for a distinct state within the Indian Union. The primary reasons cited were underdevelopment, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate representation. This region, home to seven major tribes—Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Sangtam, Tikhir, and Yimkhiung—felt that Nagaland’s policies were skewed toward more developed regions in the western part of the state. Despite having contributed to Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage, the people of Eastern Nagaland found themselves sidelined.

The ENPO has been at the forefront of the demand for a separate state. Representing the seven major tribes, the organization has raised various issues: unemployment, inadequate healthcare, poor education, and insufficient infrastructure. Roads remain underdeveloped, schools are few, and healthcare facilities are either far away or poorly equipped. This lack of resources has pushed ENPO to demand autonomy.

In 2013, the demand intensified with a series of protests and movements organized by the ENPO. These actions captured the central government’s attention, but real progress seemed distant. The ENPO’s primary demand is a state that reflects the unique identity, culture, and needs of the Eastern Nagaland region, where resources and administrative efforts would directly benefit local people rather than be filtered through state channels.

The demand for a separate state stems from several critical issues:

Economic Disparities: Eastern Nagaland remains significantly poorer than other regions of the state, with limited industrial development and employment opportunities.

Infrastructure Deficiencies: The region lacks quality roads, healthcare, and schools. While the western part of Nagaland has seen growth and development, these districts have not received similar attention or funding.

Political Underrepresentation: The people of Eastern Nagaland feel underrepresented politically. With a limited voice in Nagaland’s state government, they believe that decisions are made without considering their best interests.

Cultural Identity and Autonomy: The seven tribes share a unique culture and tradition, distinct from the other Naga tribes. They feel that a separate state would give them more freedom to preserve and promote their heritage.

Fast forward to 2022. Just before the Nagaland Legislative Assembly elections, the ENPO took a bold stance. They threatened to boycott the elections unless the central government took action. After several rounds of talks, they were assured by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs that a mutually agreeable solution would be sought after the elections. The ENPO decided to trust this promise and withdrew the boycott.

However, as the deadline neared, the ENPO felt that promises were not translating into action. This led to a significant protest in 2024, where the ENPO called for a boycott of the Lok Sabha elections. The boycott was largely successful, with almost zero voting in the six districts, sending a strong message to both the state and central governments.

 

The government, recognizing the significance of this demand, has taken steps to address the grievances of Eastern Nagaland’s people. In recent negotiations, the central government proposed the creation of a “Frontier Naga Territory” within Nagaland. This proposal outlined special administrative status for the six districts, granting them a separate legislature, executive authority, and financial autonomy. This proposal reflects a compromise, aiming to satisfy the people of Eastern Nagaland without altering the territorial integrity of Nagaland.

The state government, too, has indicated that it is willing to support the Centre’s proposal, recognizing the unique challenges faced by the eastern region. They are currently preparing a formal response to the Centre’s draft Memorandum of Settlement. Although the creation of a Frontier Naga Territory is not the same as a separate state, it could provide the region with enhanced autonomy and address its developmental issues more directly.

The proposal of a Frontier Naga Territory has raised several concerns

Legal and Administrative Challenges: Implementing a new administrative region within a state may require substantial legislative changes, affecting governance and policy.

Financial Implications: The region is economically underdeveloped, and maintaining a separate territory would require significant funds. Ensuring sufficient and sustainable funding could be a challenge.

Concerns from Neighboring States: Some fear that granting special status to Eastern Nagaland could encourage other regions with unique cultural identities to seek similar arrangements, leading to further demands across the Northeast.

As of now, the proposal for a Frontier Naga Territory is under consideration, with the Nagaland government working on their official stance. The ENPO remains in regular contact with the central government, eager to see the process reach a concrete resolution. For the people of Eastern Nagaland, this is a defining moment—a chance to gain long-overdue recognition and development.

If approved, the Frontier Naga Territory could change lives, bringing roads, schools, healthcare, and jobs closer to the people. But if the proposal is delayed, the call for a separate state may only grow louder, intensifying the struggle for autonomy.

Eastern Nagaland’s demand for a separate state represents more than a political aspiration; it embodies a longing for recognition, equality, and development. This movement, which has spanned over a decade, reflects the community’s deep-seated desire to shape their own future.

As the government deliberates on the Frontier Naga Territory proposal, it remains to be seen whether this compromise will address the needs of Eastern Nagaland or if the call for statehood will continue to echo. Regardless, the people of these six districts have demonstrated that they are willing to stand united in their pursuit of progress and justice. The story of Eastern Nagaland is still being written, and the next chapter could mark a transformative step toward a brighter future.