MHA Forms Special Committee to Look Into ENPO Demands

NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a special committee to look into the demands of a separate state for the member tribes of the Eastern Nagaland People's Organization.

Following the meeting of the representatives of the Eastern Nagaland People's Organization and the Union Home Minister in New Delhi on December 3, the Ministry of Home Affairs has formed this special committee. It will be by the Advisor of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Centre's emissary on the Naga Peace Talks, A K Mishra. The committee also includes Mr Mandeep Singh Tull, the Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau and A K Dhyani, the Director of the North East Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Reports mention that this committee will be visiting Nagaland to take stock of the demands. They will meet with the representatives of ENPO, leaders of the tribes, senior and influential members of the society as well as the district and state administration of Nagaland and the districts that want to be part of the proposed new state. The meetings are scheduled to be held between December 16-18 at the headquarters of the Tuensang district of the state.

The Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation constitutes seven of the major tribes of the Northeastern State of Nagaland. They are demanding a separate state by the name of Frontier Nagaland alleging inequitable development in the state. Highlighting their demands, these tribes had boycotted the recently concluded Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.

ENPO has been sending messages regarding the statehood problem for a long time now. But the demands recently picked up the pace with legislative elections dated to be held at the beginning of next year. The organisation has threatened to boycott the upcoming elections if their demands are not met. They have also asked all the political representatives from the region to give up their positions.

Also Read: Naga leaders to meet Amit Shah, discuss the creation of 'Frontier Nagaland'

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