Guwahati: The Nagaland Cabinet, at its meeting on Wednesday, took key decisions on several long-pending and sensitive matters, including the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation’s demand for a separate Frontier Nagaland Territory, the future of oil and gas exploration, and reforms in land ownership laws.
K G Kenye, minister and government spokesperson, told reporters that the Cabinet has reviewed the Frontier Nagaland proposal and hopes to make an announcement shortly.
He said talks between the ENPO and the Centre are scheduled in New Delhi, and the state government is hopeful of a favourable outcome. Kenye noted that the demand has remained unresolved for more than a decade and said the government wants a settlement that reflects the expectations of the people in eastern Nagaland.
To improve coordination with the Centre on political and constitutional issues, the Cabinet approved the formation of a new sub-group under the Political Affairs Committee.
The panel will be led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and will include the two Deputy Chief Ministers, both Members of Parliament from Nagaland, and selected Cabinet members.
Kenye said a delegation from this group has already travelled to New Delhi to take up issues related to the Free Movement Regime and the reintroduction of the Protected Area Permit. The state government, he added, plans to press for a review of the PAP, citing its negative impact on the state.
The Cabinet also revisited the issue of oil and natural gas extraction, which has remained stalled for years. Kenye said progress was delayed due to court proceedings but noted that the government was encouraged when the court agreed to examine the matter.
Although the organisation that filed the case has withdrawn its petition, a formal court ruling is still awaited.
He said the Cabinet has now decided to move forward with hydrocarbon exploration, relying on the special provisions granted to Nagaland under Article 371A of the Constitution. Kenye explained that unlike other states, ownership of land and natural resources in Nagaland rests with the people, including resources found below the surface.
The state government, he said, can act only with the consent of landowners and village authorities. He added that internal disputes had earlier led to legal challenges, slowing down progress.
Another major decision relates to land regulation. Kenye said that despite several laws and official instructions issued in the past, landholding practices in the state remain poorly regulated.
Keeping in mind the Inner Line Permit system, the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, and the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland, the Cabinet has decided to introduce new rules.
As per the revised approach, non-cadastral land and land occupied by government departments, which were earlier not formally allotted, will now have to be registered. These landholders will need to register their land and pay land revenue just like private owners.
Kenye said the move is intended to create a more transparent and organised land system, with detailed rules to follow soon.