Nagaland Cabinet clears resource exploration after court case withdrawal, cites Article 371A, forms PAC sub-committee on key political issues.
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KOHIMA — Nagaland Cabinet has decided to proceed with the exploration of natural resources in the state, following the withdrawal of a court case that had earlier made the matter sub judice.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Power KG Kenye, addressing a press conference in Kohima on Wednesday, said that the Cabinet meeting held in Chümoukedima had resolved to move ahead with resource exploration “based on the rights guaranteed in the Constitution”.
He said that the issue had been pending in court after an organisation filed a case; but since the petitioner has now withdrawn the matter, it has become infructuous—allowing the government to take a decision.
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Kenye said that the Cabinet decision does not go against the interests of the Centre, as Article 371(A) and related provisions clearly state that land and natural resources belong to the people of Nagaland.
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He added that the state government, having the mandate of the people, is “fully the owner of the resources at hand.”
“Along with the consent of the owners, the government may act as per its best judgment and decision,” he said.
PAC sub-committee formed
Kenye also informed that a sub-committee of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) has been constituted, with the chief minister as chairman-convener, along with the two deputy chief ministers, the two Members of Parliament and other ministers and MLAs.
He said that the sub-committee would pursue matters related to Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority (FNTA), Free Movement Regime, Protected Area Permit (PAP) and other issues, and would seek a review of the imposition of PAP by the Centre.
He added that the sub-committee was formed because the full PAC is a large body and difficult to convene frequently.
A delegation comprising state Cabinet members and representatives of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) is scheduled to meet with government of India representitaves on February 5 regarding the FNTA. Kenye expressed hope that the Centre may make an announcement on that date.
On landholding, Kenye announced that the state government is preparing new directives for non-cadastral areas and government-occupied lands that have not been issued individual pattas.
He said that organisations and individuals occupying such land, after proper registration, should pay revenue to the government in the same manner as other private landowners.