Nagaland Govt to Consult Tribal Bodies Before Signing MoU on Oil Exploration With Assam

GUWAHATI: The Nagaland government has decided not to sign any MoU with Assam on oil exploration until a final consultation with stakeholders and tribal bodies in the area is done, according to Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton.

Patton made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists on Thursday about the state government's position on objections raised by various tribal organizations and Naga underground groups to the proposed signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on oil exploration with the Assam government along the two states' Disturbed Area Belt (DAB).

"The government will hold a consultative meeting with all stakeholders before signing the MoU with the Assam government," he stated.

The DyCM stated that consultations will be held with tribal bodies and civil societies from Mon, Longleng, Mokokchung, Wokha, Nuiland, Dimapur, and Peren, Nagaland's oil-bearing areas.

The MoU has not yet been signed, despite the fact that the Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Assam have agreed in principle, he said, adding that it will not be carried out unless a thorough discussion with civil societies is held.

Patton stated that the government will hold the consultative meeting soon, without specifying a date.

The Lotha Hoho, an apex organization of Wokha district, which has a rich oil storehouse in Nagaland, had opposed, citing Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which provides particular protection to Nagas on land and other rights, and claiming that the MoU cannot be signed without community input.

Land and its resources in Nagaland belong to the people, not the government, according to Article 371(A).

On the other hand, Naga political groups, including the NSCN-IM and the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), which are engaged in peace talks with the Government of India, have stated that natural minerals and resources should not be explored until a final solution to the Naga Political Issue is reached.

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