Kohima, Mar 27: The Nagaland Assembly on Friday referred the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill back to the state government for re-examination, citing legal concerns and pending inputs from the Centre.

The Bill, introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton on Thursday, encountered objections before discussion. Speaker Sharingain Longkumer read a note from Parliamentary Affairs Minister KG Kenye, which included a letter from the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU). The letter highlighted discrepancies between the Bill and the February 5 Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed in New Delhi by the Centre, the state government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO).

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reiterated the government’s commitment to the six eastern districts—Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, and Shamator. He described the FNTA as a special self-governing body intended to address socio-economic, cultural, and administrative needs through a four-tier structure. Funding would be provided through state allocations based on population and area, along with Central grants, with the FNTA empowered to draft its own plans.

Rio noted constitutional limitations, emphasizing that state laws cannot delegate legislative powers to the FNTA. The state Cabinet has sought legal advice, and the Union Home Ministry is consulting the Solicitor General, requesting additional time.

Both ENPO and ENLU had requested deferral of the Bill on Thursday. Following these developments, Rio proposed postponement until the issues are resolved. The Speaker accepted the proposal and directed that the Bill be referred back for revisions before the next Assembly session.