Locals stop alleged illegal Oil survey by ONGC in disputed border area of Nagaland

Locals state that the workers sent for the survey are from the ONGC who do not have the legal authority to conduct the process at the moment

REPORTED BY SARAH KONYAK

At a time when the Assam and Nagaland governments are pushing for joint exploration of Oil resources along the disputed border areas, sensation prevails in Longstiri village at Bhandari subdivision in Nagaland’s Wokha district following the arrival of a group of officials and workers allegedly to conduct survey work for oil exploration in the area.

Locals state that the workers sent for the survey are from the ONGC who do not have the legal authority to conduct the process at the moment.

When news spread about the presence of a team of supposed ONGC workers in the area, conducting a survey, village councils and locals swung into action and rushed to the location to stop the activity.

As per reports, following complaints from locals, as many as 11 workers engaged in the survey were detained by police.
The area in question falls under the Champang block where the oil reservoir has remained closed for over 2 decades now.

Local MLA Achumbemo Kikon said that he has taken stock of the situation. Kikon also alleged that such illegal activities have been going on for many years in the area.

Head Gaon Bura of Longstiri Mhonthung Kithan said that the group of workers have arrived from Kolkata for the survey. Kithan added that the group did not possess any permit or license to conduct the survey. Kithan added that despite the opposition from locals, the group brought their machinery and camped at Longstiri village.

A senior ONGC official based in Assam speaking on condition of anonymity said that as per their information, no such team has been sent to Nagaland.

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