Following the strong opposition from various quarters, including the NSCN-IM and the Working Committee of the 7 NNPGs, on exploration of oil in areas along the Disputed Area belt (DAB), the Nagaland Government has decided to hold a consultative meeting with all the stakeholders.
Informing this during an interaction with the media on the sideline of the press conference at PHQ today, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton said, the Memorandum of Understanding has not been signed yet and the chief ministers of Nagaland and Assam have only agreed in principle. However, he said, that a consultative meeting will be convened with all stakeholders of oil bearing areas like Mon, Longleng, Mokokchung, Wokha, Nuiland and Dimapur and also with all the Tribal bodies and Civil Society Organizations before coming to any conclusion on this matter.
“…unless we have a thorough discussion with the Civil societies that will not be carried out,” said Patton.
Well informed sources said that the Centre has called the chief ministers of the two states to discuss on this matter in the next few days at New Delhi. The meeting comes following the opposition from various sections of the Naga Tribal bodies, CSOs and the National Workers who are currently in talks with the GoI for a final solution to the long-protracted Indo-Naga political issue.
The source further informed that the tentative date for the consultative meeting has been scheduled for 9 May however, it is likely to be postponed if CM Neiphiu Rio leaves for Delhi for the meet with the centre.
Mention may be made that CM Neiphiu Rio and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma had on 20 April 2023 agreed in principle to go ahead with oil exploration in areas along their disputed boundary for the economic benefit of both states. Rio confirmed to reporters that the two states have in principle decided to go for an MoU on oil exploration in the disputed areas so that oil can be extracted, and royalties can be shared between the neighbouring states.
Nagaland Tribes Council questions Rio’s ‘rushed’ agreement with Assam
