- Why in news
- On 5 February 2026, the Centre, the Nagaland Government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) signed an agreement in New Delhi. It paves the way for a Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for six eastern districts.
- What it is
- The Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority is a proposed territorial body for the six eastern districts of Nagaland. It meets the long-standing demand of the ENPO, which speaks for the eastern Naga tribes, for greater autonomy and a fairer share of development. It operates within the state and leaves the special protection of Article 371A intact.
- Signatories
- The Government of India, the Government of Nagaland and the ENPO signed the agreement in New Delhi.
- Districts covered
- The FNTA will cover Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator.
- Powers
- Powers over 46 subjects will be devolved to the FNTA.
- Administrative set-up and funds
- A mini-Secretariat headed by an Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary will serve the FNTA. Development outlay will be shared in proportion to population and area.
- Article 371A
- The agreement does not affect Article 371A of the Constitution.
- Article 371A background
- Article 371A gives Nagaland special protection: Acts of Parliament on Naga customary law, religious or social practices and land ownership do not apply unless the Assembly decides so.
Don’t confuse with FNTA vs Sixth Schedule councils: The FNTA arises from a tripartite agreement and works alongside Article 371A. Sixth Schedule councils exist in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram under the Constitution's own provisions.
Don’t confuse with Article 371A vs Article 371: Article 371A applies only to Nagaland. Other 371-series articles give special provisions to other states.
Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.
Why it matters
- It addresses a long-standing grievance of Eastern Nagaland over neglect and unequal development.
- Devolution to a local body deepens decentralised governance and may reduce discontent in a border region.
- It supports the Centre's approach of settling Northeast disputes through dialogue.
Problems
- Dividing powers and funds between the State Government and the FNTA may cause friction.
- Special protection under Article 371A must be preserved while a new body is created.
- Other groups may press similar demands for autonomy or separate arrangements.
Way forward
- Define the FNTA's powers, finances and relationship with the State clearly through legislation and rules.
- Ensure steady funding and build administrative capacity in the eastern districts.
- Keep dialogue open with all Naga groups and stakeholders.
Put in your answer
Article 371A: Cite the Article 371A safeguard, which the agreement leaves untouched, as an example of asymmetric federalism.
Dialogue-based settlement: Use the agreement as an example of resolving a dispute through negotiation instead of armed conflict.
- 2013Mains GS2 · Q3Naga concerns over Ministry directives overriding Article 371A's special status
- 2025Mains GS3 · Q19Internal security challenges and peace accords in North-Eastern States
- 2026Mains GS3 · Q10Demand for Sixth Schedule provisions for Ladakh autonomy
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.