Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday reportedly assured Nagaland Chief Minister Nephiu Rio of assistance for the speedy development of Eastern Nagaland, but ruled out creation of a separate State — Frontier Nagaland — out of four border districts as demanded by the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO).
Mr. Rio, who met Mr. Chidambaram on the issue, said the talks were “fruitful,” and they discussed various problems of the north-eastern state. He, however, didn't give details. He was accompanied by his Home Minister Imkong Imchen and Cabinet colleagues.
However, the Nagaland Home Minister later said Mr. Chidambaram was sympathetic to the demand for speedy development of Eastern Nagaland, which has one of the worst growth indicators. Mr. Chidambaram has also supported the idea of creating an autonomous council for the eastern Nagaland district, as proposed by the State government, Mr. Imchen said.
The ENPO has been demanding creation of ‘Frontier Nagaland' out of Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire and Longleng districts. It submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister in 2010, saying only a separate State for six tribes, inhabiting the frontier areas, would result in socio-economic development in the border region.
The Nagaland government has opposed the idea of further division of the State and recommended setting up of an autonomous council and giving maximum possible legislative, financial and administrative powers to the people of the backward eastern region.
