The Nagaland Cabinet took a series of important policy decisions on some of the state’s most sensitive political and economic issues, including the demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), oil and natural gas exploration, and long-pending landholding reforms.
Addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting held at Chumoukedima, government spokesperson and minister K G Kenye said the Cabinet reviewed the status of the ENPO’s long-standing demand and expressed hope that a positive announcement could be made soon. He said talks between the ENPO and the Government of India are scheduled to be held in New Delhi, and the state government is hopeful of a breakthrough. Describing the issue as one that has remained unresolved for more than a decade, Kenye said the government wants a solution that reflects the wishes and aspirations of the people of eastern Nagaland.
To strengthen coordination with the Centre on political and constitutional matters, the Cabinet decided to set up a sub-committee under the Political Affairs Committee. The panel will be convened by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and will include the two Deputy Chief Ministers, Nagaland’s two Members of Parliament, and selected Cabinet ministers. A delegation from this group has already left for New Delhi to raise concerns over the Free Movement Regime and the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit. The delegation will urge the Centre to review the PAP, which the state government believes is affecting Nagaland adversely.
The Cabinet also discussed the long-delayed issue of oil and natural gas exploration in the state. Kenye said the matter had been stalled due to court proceedings, but the government felt relieved after the court agreed to hear the case. With the concerned organisation having withdrawn its petition, the issue has become infructuous, although a final court verdict is still awaited.
He said the Cabinet has decided to move ahead with oil and gas exploration by relying on the special constitutional protections available to Nagaland under Article 371A. Kenye explained that under this provision, land and its resources belong to the people of Nagaland, unlike in other states where petroleum and natural gas are treated as central subjects. He said both surface and sub-surface resources belong to landowners and the people, and the state government can act only with their mandate and consent. He also expressed regret that internal differences had earlier led to litigation, delaying progress.
Another major decision relates to landholding reforms. Kenye said that despite several laws and official orders issued over the years, the state had failed to take a firm approach to land regulation. Keeping in view the Inner Line Permit system, the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, and the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland, the Cabinet has now decided to issue fresh directives.
Under the new policy, non-cadastral lands and government-occupied lands that were earlier not issued individual pattas will now have to be properly registered. Landowners will be required to obtain pattas and pay land revenue, similar to other private landholders. Kenye said the aim is to bring clarity, accountability and long-term regulation to Nagaland’s landholding system. He added that detailed notifications explaining the new measures will be issued in the coming days.
