Kohima, August 7: The Nagaland state cabinet has decided to seek clarity from the Central Government regarding the constitutional status of the proposed Frontier Naga Territory (FNT), amid growing concern over suggestions of introducing a new Article outside the purview of Article 371(A).

Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Nagaland Power Minister and Government Spokesperson KG Kenye said the issue remains “very intricate and very sensitive,” and must be handled with caution. While the cabinet was initially assured that any new entity would fall under Article 371(A), recent indications suggest the possibility of a new Article, such as 371(K), being introduced to accommodate the FNT — a move that could distance the entity from the state’s jurisdiction.

Kenye stressed that any deviation from Article 371(A) could have serious implications, including potential bifurcation of the state. He reiterated that neither the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) nor the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) had asked for exclusion from Article 371(A). “What we intend and what is actually taking place must match — otherwise it would be catastrophic,” he warned.

Concerns were also raised about voting rights, ex-officio positions, and the membership structure of the proposed regional council. The state is particularly worried that reopening Article 371(A) in Parliament could threaten its unique constitutional safeguards.

Until Nagaland was included as a third party in the talks between the Centre and ENPO last year, the state remained in the dark about the Centre’s intentions, Kenye admitted. “Now that we are part of the tripartite talks, we must proceed carefully. The entire land — east, west, north, or south — belongs to Nagaland,” he asserted.

The state cabinet received key documents only on Wednesday, prompting the decision to consider sending the entire cabinet to Delhi for a detailed consultation with the Centre.

In another major decision, the cabinet has agreed to review the state’s 48-year-old job reservation policy. According to Kenye, five non-backward tribes currently hold 64% of government jobs, while ten backward tribes occupy only 34%.

To address this disparity, a Reservation Review Commission will be constituted, headed by a retired senior official and comprising representatives from relevant departments and tribal bodies, including the ENPO and Tenyimi Union. The Commission is expected to submit its recommendations within six months.

Kenye also noted that any potential changes may align with the caste-based census proposed by the Centre in January 2026.