NSCN-IM opposes oil exploration move by Nagaland and Assam govts

After the NNPGs and the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), now it’s the NSCN-IM that has vehemently opposed the proposed joint oil exploration move that has been decided by the Nagaland and Assam state governments.

In a statement, the NSCN-IM stated that it would not allow oil and gas exploration in disputed areas between Nagaland and Assam until an “honourable political settlement to the vexed Naga political” issue is reached.

In the statement, the NSCN-IM also mentioned about the standing order that it had issued as far as exploration of minerals is concerned.

The statement read, “Significantly, more than two decades back National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) had issued standing order that no mineral wealth in Naga areas will be allowed for exploration and extraction until political settlement is arrived at. This order still stands valid today.”

Demanding Centre’s commitment to resolve the decades long political issue, the NSCN-IM said, “As much as Government of India attached huge economic significance to the mineral wealth, particularly oil and natural gas of Nagaland, the same degree of political commitment should be demonstrated in a meaningful and credible manner as demanded by the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks.”

“Until honorable political settlement between the Nagas and Government of India is reached, no exploration of oil and natural gas in Naga territories in any form shall be allowed. This is the resolute stand of NSCN,” the NSCN-IM reiterated.

Worth mentioning, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Nagaland counterpart Neiphiu Rio had agreed last month in principle to go ahead with oil exploration in areas along their disputed boundary for the economic benefit of both states.