ENPO defers July 10 rally after government's FNTA move, insists MoA be implemented fully without altering core provisions
DIMAPUR — The Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) has deferred its proposed public rally scheduled for July 10 after Nagaland government announced that it would convene a special session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) to deliberate on the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) issue.
However, the organisation maintained that the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on the matter must be implemented "in letter and spirit" without altering its core provisions.
In a press communiqué issued on Tuesday, the ENPO said it welcomed the state government's decision to give attention to the long-pending FNTA issue following its July 6 announcement on convening a special Assembly session.
According to the organisation, it decided to defer the planned July 10 rally after receiving a request from the state government, followed by similar appeals from the Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Nagaland and the convenor of Eastern Nagaland Legislators' Union (ENLU).
Related: Rally, shutdown across Eastern Nagaland on July 10 over FNTA delay
It informed that a meeting of its central executive council (CEC) would be convened on August 6 to decide the future course of action.
Reiterating its stand on the FNTA, the ENPO described the MoA signed between the organisation, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the government of Nagaland as "sacred and sacrosanct".
It asserted that the tripartite agreement represents a solemn commitment and mutual trust among the three signatories and must be respected and implemented without deviation.
"The signed MoA is 'sacred and sacrosanct', signifying its crucial role in uplifting Eastern Nagaland," the communiqué stated, adding that all parties have a moral and ethical obligation to ensure there is no breach of trust after the agreement.
The ENPO also referred to Clause 3.3 of the MoA, stating that it mandates consultation between the state government and the MHA only with regard to the enactment of "special legislation" for the FNTA.
It argued that the consultation clause cannot be used to modify or omit the core principles of the agreement and maintained that the MoA creates a distinct legislative framework for the proposed authority rather than delegating legislative powers.
The organisation further maintained that the outcome of the consultation process would reflect the political will of both the Centre and the state government.
Stressing that implementation of the agreement should remain faithful to its original intent, the ENPO stated that the MoA is consistent with Article 371A of the Constitution and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas" by bringing Eastern Nagaland into the mainstream of a developed India by 2047 with dignity, peace and development.