The Naga Rising (TNR) has appealed the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) to explore alternative arrangements amid the ongoing talks between the organisation and the Government of India regarding the former’s demand for statehood.

“… seek a solution from within, instead of separation from the present State of Nagaland,” the TNR suggested.

In its statement, the TNR urged for “unity of our peoples and lands” and pressed that while it understands the “genuine grievances” and “alienation” of Eastern Nagaland, “any decision taken today should not be driven by short-term gains, but rather it must serve the larger interest of the Naga people and their aspiration for peace, reconciliation and a common territorial and political entity.”

The alternative arrangements that The Naga Rising proposed include:

1. Restoring the special status (regional council) enjoyed by Eastern Nagaland under the erstwhile Tuensang area and recognizing it as a Special Development Region (SDR) with full financial independence, but under the administrative control of Nagaland.
2. Allocation of separate budget may be considered under special dispensation from Union Govt.
3. Except for administration including law and order, which may be under the Govt of Nagaland, all other subjects/powers may be delegated/exercised by the regional council or legislature, consisting of elected representatives of each ENPO districts.
4. Eastern Nagaland should continue to be represented in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) through its elected MLAs.
5. Nagaland government may also explore the option to create a separate Ministry, similar to DoNER, which will deal exclusively for the ENPO areas under a full-fledged Cabinet Minister from the region.
6. The prospect of increasing the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats by one each, which can be reserved for ENPO areas, could be explored with the Government of India.

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