President Murmu signs bill creating autonomous Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority

President Droupadi Murmu signed the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill 2026, fulfilling the Nagaland Assembly’s September approval. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio thanked the president, highlighting the bill’s significance for the aspirations of eastern Nagaland’s residents. The FNTA will provide legislative, executive and financial powers to six districts—Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Shamator—under the spirit of Article 371A. During a transition phase, an interim council appointed by the state will oversee the authority for up to one year or until the first elected body convenes.

The legislation retains special constitutional provisions, including the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 and exemption from Panchayati Raj. It stems from a February 5 memorandum of agreement among the central government, the Rio-led Nagaland administration and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation, which has long sought greater self-governance.