[dropcap]R[/dropcap]esumption of oil exploration in Nagaland State after a gap of two decade is an audacious initiation undertaken by the present DAN III leadership. In fact, the policy of the state Government to uplift the economic standard of the people through oil business is highly commendable. The oil bearing villages, especially those who own oil wells have a reason to celebrate, also there is a general acquiescence in the Government initiative.
Lucrative business as such, issues are bound to happen sooner or later. The recent issue raised by the Kyong Students’ Union (KSU) over allotment of permit to MOGPL for oil exploration in Wokha Zone is something to be pondered about. Interestingly, the issue was a case of vacuity and lackadaisical attitude maintained by both the party.
Whatever the case, it hardly had any impact on the stands of the oil bearing villages.Lack of development and ever increasing backwardness of the region made the people realized that resumption of oil exploration is a desperate need. While the people neither favours nor discriminates any company, it is to be noted that certain logical demands of the people has to be fulfilled before exploration. It is also to be noted that if any exploitative policy of the company is detected, it would invite serious reprisal which would even lead to withdrawal of NOC/MOA.
The query by KSU on the credentials and credibility of the alloted company and subsequent launching of agitation was rather a hasty decision. The company’s investment potentials and its past experience would certainly project positive image and also boost people’s confidence. Nevertheless, the efficiency of the company, in all front, should be better determined at the later stage of extraction.
The escalated row between the state Government and the students’ community should also be a serious concerned for all. This issue could prolong the oil exploration, perhaps by another decade. It has also polarized the public opinion, thereby given way for politicking the issue. Therefore, if the stalemate continue the door to progress and development will be shut which one cannot afford to lose it.
Of all the charter of demands, installation of oil refinery is the non-negotiable point of the oil bearing villages. However, one must be aware of the fact that there is a criteria for its establishment. So, inorder to fulfill that criteria logistic support to the company is much needed. One MOA has already been signed on 26th June 2014, between the company and the land owners which was witness by the state Government and the tribal Hoho. As per that agreement oil refinery is to be established near the oil bearing areas on reaching the prescribe criteria.
In the late 20th century, when ONGC were doing oil extraction in Naga soil, there was no Government set of rules and regulation on natural resources. Even MOU signed with the landowners was done in haste and without proper case study. So, ultimately the situation favours the ONGC to take all the advantage. However, now the NP & NG rules and regulation 2012 is right in place. Hence, the apprehension of being exploited is less perceived.
In conformity with the rules 15 (2) NP & NG 2012, the company had to sign an agreement with the landowners. The inclusion of this clause speak volumes on the sincerity of the state government. Had there been no such provision in the rules and regulations, it would have needed an urgent review. All concerned should, therefore, spend more time and energy over this special privilege as to what points of agreement are to be inked with the company.
Having issued the official permit to the MOGPL company for ten years, do you think the government would easily succumb to the pressure of the public and cancel the permit? What about the permit fee paid to the state government? By now the company must have invested crores of rupees in Nagaland. Obviously, the company will explore all possible means to retain its position. In the process, tussle and hustle will continue and even if new company take over, there might be another pressure group to oppose the Government. Therefore, all concerned should take serious consideration and must think twice over this issue, as unlike in the past, oil business in Nagaland is made a partnership venture between the landowners and the company.
Nzanthung Kikon
Former President
Lotha Middle Range Students’ Union
