WC-NNPG opposes oil exploration in Naga areas until formal Indo-Naga political settlement is signed, citing agreed principles
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DIMAPUR — The Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) on Thursday opposed any oil exploration or extraction in Naga areas before the formal signing of an Indo-Naga political settlement.
In a press statement, the group maintained that any attempt to explore natural resources in Naga areas before a settlement is officially signed would be contrary to the principles agreed between the government of India (GoI) and the WC-NNPG under the Agreed Position signed on November 17, 2017.
“Until such time, WC-NNPG will peacefully or otherwise, ensure that no company, national or international, extracts crude petroleum reserve from the Naga soil,” the statement read.
The group stated that the government of India had shown “maturity and wisdom” when the Agreed Position was signed between then GoI interlocutor RN Ravi and WC-NNPG Convener N Kitovi Zhimomi.
Referring to Part VII of the agreement and the accompanying status paper, the WC-NNPG maintained that ownership and transfer of land and its resources, including mines and minerals, fossil fuels, petroleum, natural gas and future discoveries, had been addressed in the understanding reached between the two sides.
According to the statement, the provision recognises ownership and transfer of land and resources and provides for the Nagaland Tatar Hoho to legislate on such matters.
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It further noted that exploration and mining of radioactive elements with national security implications would be undertaken through joint venture agreements between the government of India and the government of Nagaland.
The WC-NNPG argued that, in view of these provisions, any attempt to explore natural resources in Naga areas before the signing of a final political settlement would be “illegal and against the agreed principles.”
The group also opposed revenue-sharing arrangements involving petroleum resources between Nagaland and Assam or any other state, describing such arrangements as being driven by the interests of a few rather than the interests of the Naga people.
It further claimed that the Disturbed Area Belt is legally and historically an integral part of Naga homeland and questioned why Nagaland should share oil revenue with Assam.
“The resentment of Nagaland tribes and civil societies against oil exploration and extraction is justified,” the statement added.
At the same time, the WC-NNPG stated that oil prospecting and marketing companies could become partners of the Nagas after a political settlement is reached.
It named Oil India Limited (OIL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Metropolitan Oil and Gas Private Limited (MO&GPL), Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) as potential partners in the post-settlement period.
The group also questioned when the government of India would formally sign and declare the Naga political settlement, stating that New Delhi had already acknowledged and appreciated Naga history and identity during the course of the political negotiations.
It further stated that Nagas have the capacity and experience to partner with the government of India in the strategic eastern sector and called on India's political leadership to answer the Naga people on the status of the settlement process.