Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today stated, “It is high time we start our oil and natural gas. We should explore our minerals and if we do that we will get lots of revenues, royalty for our own State. Then we don’t have to be parasites’ to the Central government.”

Rio was replying to a starred question raised by MLA Achumbemo Kikon during the second session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on September 14. Rio also noted that if the Naga issue is resolved, all others will be resolved one by one including the border issue, however “things are not going as they desire.”

“Considering Article 371A of the Constitution of India, the Government of Nagaland has been discussing the Bipartite MoU on framework for expediting petroleum operations in the State of Nagaland,” said KG Kenye, Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs replying to a starred question. This has been proposed by the Government of India under Nomination and OALP regimes, especially in the interim period during the pendency of the disputes registered as Sou motu PIL No. 1(K) of 2019 by the Hon’ble High Court of Gauhati.

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According to Kenye, “Further discussion with the Government of Assam and Government of India on Tripartite MoU on the framework on equal sharing of revenue from petroleum operations carried out in the entire Disputed Area Belt (DAB) area as an interim arrangement is underway, without prejudice to the rights and contentions of the respective Governments and without waiver of the rights and contentions of any Parties, as the border dispute is subjudice in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.”

He also added that since Changpang Field is outside DAB, Changpang may be included in the Bipartite MoU when it is finalised.