A grand civic reception and prayer programme was held at Tuensang Parade Ground on Monday to celebrate the successful culmination of the signing ceremony of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), organized by the Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS).
Thousands of people gathered to accord a warm reception to the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) delegation led by its President, A Chingmak Chang, marking the occasion as a significant moment for the people of Eastern Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering, ENPO President A. Chingmak Chang expressed gratitude to the people of Tuensang for the overwhelming reception. He acknowledged the contributions of Chang Khulei Setshang, Tuensang district administration led by the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), bikers, GBs, tribal organizations and citizens for organizing the prayer and reception programme.
Referring to the signing of the FNTA agreement, Chingmak stated that while the Organization had earlier demanded full Frontier Nagaland statehood prior to February 5, the FNTA proposal was ultimately accepted as a step forward. “Today we got FNTA but before 5th February, we had demanded a full Frontier Nagaland and that remains our demand,” he said adding, “Today, FNTA was offered and we have accepted it, but our demand will still continue.”
He credited the successful signing of the FNTA agreement to the collective efforts and unity of ENPO members, while paying tribute to the founding members and former leaders of the movement who are no longer alive.
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Stating that the FNTA marks a transition from civil society advocacy to governance responsibilities, Chingmak urged all eight tribes of Eastern Nagaland to remain united and shoulder the responsibility of taking FNTA forward.
He informed that before the FNTA is fully established, an interim body would be constituted, comprising selected members who would function collectively for a period of ten years as offered by the Government.
Chingmak also expressed appreciation to the Central Government led by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, the Government of Nagaland under Chief Minister, Dr Neiphiu Rio, senior bureaucrats, and Chief Negotiator, AK Mishra and his team for facilitating and guiding the negotiations leading to the agreement.
Describing FNTA as “not the final destination”, he said, “It’s a new born child whose future would depend on how it is nurtured”. He further encouraged the younger generation to take ownership of the initiative, stating, “What we did today is for your future, for your better tomorrow”.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by S Nayang Chang, General Secretary of CKS. The event began with invocation by T Chuba, Pastor of Tikhir Baptist Church, Tuensang. A welcome address was delivered by W Chingmak, Executive Chairman of CKS, while C Asen Chang, President of Chang Tribal Council, presented a solidarity message.
Short speeches were delivered by N Sipong, Vice President of CKS, and K Aliba Sangtam, President of the United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP). Blessings were pronounced by Rev Achu Chang, Executive Secretary of Chang Baptist Lashong Thangyen (CBLT), followed by the closing prayer by Peshai, Pastor of Khiamniunghan Baptist Church, Tuensang Town.
