NSCN (K-V) raises concerns over Assam-Nagaland oil exploration MoU

DIMAPUR, JUN 26 (NPN): NSCN (Khango-Vusshe) has expressed concern over the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on June 11, 2026, between the Government of Assam, Government of Nagaland and Government of India for the exploration and development of crude oil and other natural resources in areas falling within or adjoining the Disputed Area Belt (DAB).
The group through its MIP said while it acknowledged the desire of Assam and Nagaland to pursue economic growth and development, any initiative involving land and natural resources in disputed areas must be undertaken with utmost caution, transparency and accountability.
It said issues relating to land and natural resources were not merely economic matters but were intrinsically linked to history, identity, customary ownership and the political rights of indigenous peoples.
According to the group, any decision affecting such areas should be preceded by broad consultation and informed consensus among all concerned stakeholders.
NSCN (K-V) maintained that the rights of the Naga people over their land and natural resources were constitutionally protected under Article 371A of the Constitution, which safeguards Naga customary laws, social practices and ownership rights over land and its resources.
It said those protections were not symbolic provisions but fundamental safeguards reflecting the unique historical and political circumstances of the Naga people.
Therefore, the group asserted that any arrangement, policy or agreement that directly or indirectly affected those constitutional guarantees must be subjected to careful scrutiny to ensure that the spirit and intent of Article 371A remained fully respected and preserved.
The group also said that genuine development could not be pursued at the expense of historical rights, customary ownership or unresolved political issues.
It maintained that sustainable progress could only be achieved when development initiatives were undertaken with the confidence, participation and consent of the people whose lands and resources were involved.
According to NSCN (K-V), economic advancement and the protection of indigenous rights must go hand in hand.
Reiterating its stand, the group said the Nagas had never relinquished their inherent rights over their ancestral lands and that their history, identity, culture and territorial heritage remained inseparable from their collective consciousness and political aspirations.
It added that those rights were deeply rooted in history and could neither be disregarded nor compromised.
The group cautioned that any attempt by individuals, organisations or external forces to exploit the prevailing circumstances for territorial, political or strategic advantage at the expense of Naga interests would be viewed with utmost seriousness.