Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, and Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam on 18th December 2023 met with Union Minister for Home Affairs, Amit Shah, at Parliament House where they discussed ways of resolving the inter-state boundary disputes. The CMs also deliberated on other issues of mutual interest concerning both the states, Akashvani informed.
Also at the meeting, Rio and Sarma acknowledged the pivotal role played by Union Home Minister for transforming North East part of the country by ushering in peace and development.
Nagaland and Assam share a 512.1 km border and the disputes in certain areas are several decades old.
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In April 2023, the Chief Ministers held a meeting at Assam House in New Delhi where they agreed in principle to ahead with oil exploration in areas along their boundary and the economic benefit of both States.
Rio, speaking to the media, said that once the Memorandum of Understanding is signed, oil can be extracted and royalties would be shared between Nagaland and Assam. He also stated that “there is huge potential for exploration of oil inside Nagaland also.”
Following the announcement, there was an uproar from various quarters including tribal bodies, NSCN-IM, NNPGs, etc. Even legislators held mixed views on the matter, pushing the Nagaland Government to call for a consultative meeting with all stakeholders on 9th May.
In late May 2023, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters that Assam had sent the proposal regarding the joint exploration of oil to Nagaland but there had been no response from the neighbouring State.
“We have not pursued the matter much as it was Nagaland who has sought our views. Now it is up to them,”
Read more: Nagaland Budget 2023-24: CM Rio on Oil and Natural Gas exploration
