Frontier Nagaland Territory could be interim solution before statehood — ENPO president

Says talks progressing with government, no timeframe yet for resolution

KIPHIRE — While the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) remains resolute in its 14-year-long pursuit of a separate state, the Frontier Nagaland Territory arrangement could provide an interim solution, according to ENPO President A Chingmak Chang.

Addressing attendees at the Mungmung festival in Kiphire on Tuesday, he emphasised that the demand for statehood, first articulated in 2010, “is still very much alive.” However, as realising this goal requires time, the FNT can be a temporary solution, he suggested.

Reiterating his commitment to the people of Eastern Nagaland, Chang stated, “I will never betray my people,” adding that ENPO leaders have sworn to serve the people till the end.

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He expressed optimism about ongoing dialogue with the Nagaland government, citing Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s “open door policy” on the issue.

Following discussions with the state government and the Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU) on the draft memorandum of settlement (MoS), the final outcome will be presented to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Subsequently, tripartite talks involving the Indian government, ENPO, and the Nagaland government will commence, Chang said.

 “Our talk is in advance stage, though we cannot give any timeframe,” he maintained, adding that a time would come when all eight ENPO tribes could celebrate a common festival.

Cherish heritage

Beyond the political message, Chang urged the people of Kiphire to celebrate Mungmung with a spirit of “love, peace, unity, and reconciliation.”

“Loss of culture is loss of identity”, the ENPO president said, reminding both the young and old to cherish their heritage, regardless of their personal journeys in life.

He said that the Sangtams are pioneers of education among Eastern Nagas, and urged them to continue leading and serving their people with unwavering dedication.

Chinese Chakhesang, Superintendent of Police, Kiphire, highlighted the role of festivals in transmitting cultural knowledge across generations, emphasising their importance as a bridge between the past and present.

“Our festivals should not just be about merrymaking but of serious learning and identifying the meaning of our practices. It’s a celebration of our roots and rich culture, and who we are,” he said.

The two-day Mungmung festival, organised by the United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP) in collaboration with the Nagaland government and Nagaland Tourism, showcased vibrant Sangtam culture through traditional dances and songs.

Welcome remarks were delivered by K Aliba Sangtam, USLP President, while Seili, Head Gaon Bura (GB) of Amahator Village spoke on the significance of Mungmung. Solidarity speeches were delivered by representatives from various tribal organisations, including the Eastern Sumi Hoho, Chang Khulei Setshang, and Pochury Hoho.