Dimapur, Feb 4: The Naga Hoho has stressed that it is high time that the economy of Nagaland received a boost through exploration and production (E&P) of petroleum. The Naga Hoho also said oil and natural gas as economically viable resources and a clear roadmap should be prepared for an early resumption of oil exploration in the state.
In a statement today, the Naga Hoho said a discussion between the Assam and Nagaland governments for oil exploration in the state and sharing of royalties in disputed areas are on. The Naga Hoho insisted that whatever oil exploration is being undertaken in the disputed border areas, the “Government of Nagaland model and Government of Assam model” must be compiled together and the “oil exploration and production license” should be signed by both the state governments and till such time the Naga Hoho demanded that all the oil activities which falls under Disturbed Area Belt (DAB) must be stopped immediately.
The Naga Hoho also stated that Nagaland’s neighbour Assam is ahead as far as oil exploration and production is concerned.
Meanwhile, the Naga Hoho highlighted that Nagaland is a part of the Assam Arakan basin that had established hydrocarbon occurrences and, hence, had potential for extensive and intensive exploration. It claimed that Nagaland attracted the attention of petroleum explorers since the pre-partition days and disclosed that the prospects of hydrocarbons being available in the entire Naga hills are high.
The Naga Hoho also urged the Naga people to ponder over the benefits if fossil fuel deposits were found in Nagaland and on the impact this would have on the local economy. Mentioning that there were many technology improvements that would eventually replace non-renewable energy, the Naga Hoho wondered if Nagaland was willing to be left behind.
While referring to Article 371A, the Naga Hoho asserted that the state has the exclusive rights over its land and resources.Therefore, the Naga Hoho urged the State Government to “strengthen and reiterate” the Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulations, 2012, outline the rules for petroleum and natural gas resources in Nagaland to start the oil exploration in all oil bearing areas in Nagaland.
Further, the Naga Hoho maintained that the issue of who owns the land and resources still remains contested. The Naga Hoho alleged that since the closure of oil extraction in 1994 till date, no NGOs, civil society organisations, or the government has taken up any remedial measures to contain the oil spills which posed environmental hazards.
The Naga Hoho further said that for negotiation of oil royalty, the opinion of all Nagas should be consulted. It also stressed that the state of Nagaland has incurred significant financial losses for not utilizing its natural oil resources to date. The Naga Hoho underscored that the potential revenue could have had a substantial impact on the state’s economic development and improved the quality of life for its citizens. “This amount could have funded numerous infrastructural developments, factories, healthcare, education, and sports initiatives, ultimately transforming our state and generating employment opportunities for our young and energetic generation,” it added.
Looking back at past experiences and learning from them, the Naga Hoho underlined the need to harness Nagaland’s rich natural resources for the benefit of the state and its people. Therefore, the Naga Hoho urged the government to be “very prudent“ while addressing the oil exploration and leverage these resources to achieve the economic goals it so earnestly desires.
Furthermore, the Naga Hoho emphasized that unresolved issues have deprived Nagaland from significant monetary benefits. Concurrently, the Naga Hoho called on all Nagas to work together to build a future where every citizen of Nagaland enjoys the benefits of economic vision and concerted efforts for the common good.
On behalf of the Naga people, the Naga Hoho urged the state government to start oil and natural gas exploration and consultation with stakeholders concerned so that the Nagas could, at least one day, achieve economic independence for “our people in the near future”.
(Newmai News Network)
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