Dimapur, Sep. 28 (EMN): While appreciating the government’s decision to restart oil exploration in Nagaland, the Lotha Hoho has apprised the former to be aware of the MoU signed between the Nagaland government and the Lotha Hoho for amendment of the Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas (NP&NG) Regulations and Rules 2012 (RR 2012).
Lotha Hoho chairman, Mhondamo Ovung, and the general secretary, S Abenthung Ngullie, stated that the MoU was signed on November 20, 2018, following which the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court had filed a suo moto PIL to examine the implications of the MOU, vide Case No. PIL (Suo Moto) 1/2019-1. IN-RE Kohima versus the Nagaland state government and seven others.
“So as readers can see the suo moto PIL was filed nearly 3 (three) years ago. But whether the suo moto PIL has been disposed off /cleared or not, the signed MoU has not been implemented so far; or if implemented the Lotha Hoho has no knowledge and hence it is not known if the NP&NG RR 2012 has been amended. Does this long delay, in amendment of the RR 2012, mean a nod that the LH should revive the PIL?” it questioned.
The hoho stated that unless the MoU is implemented and hence the NP&NG RR 2012 is amended as per agreed points, the Lotha people would not allow exploration or extraction of petroleum or natural gas within its jurisdiction if under the un-amended NP&NG RR 2012.