The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization, on Tuesday said that it will not allow exploration of mineral resources in the Eastern Nagaland Jurisdiction.
The apex organisation of the eastern Nagaland tribes stated that it remains firm and resolute on its resolution on exploration/ extraction of mineral resources including oil.
This statement from the ENPO is consequent of Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his Assamese counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma agreeing in principle to sign an MoU on oil exploration in the disputed areas so that oil can be extracted, and royalties can be shared between the two states.
“Once it is formalised, there is huge potential for exploration of oil inside Nagaland also. And to move forward as the country needs oil in a big way,” Rio told media persons in New Delhi.
The planned MoU has been receiving mixed reactions in Nagaland.
The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups have issued stern warning against any such agreements. It stated that any agreement with Assam Government at this crucial juncture ‘shall be considered as a direct attempt to sell off Naga rights for which the consequences will be widespread and unimaginable.’
WC, NNPGs further maintained that the proposed MoU is another scam of the government’s ‘to loot the future of the Naga people’ and elected MLAs from oil bearing areas of Mon, Longleng, Mokokchung, Wokha, Niuland, Dimapur and Peren must understand that.
