Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, AUG 30 (NPN): Yamhon Area Public Organisation (YAPO) has raised serious concern over ongoing oil-related activities at Lio-Wokha (Old), Hayiyan adjoining areas, falling within the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), and sought clarification on whether the work has the knowledge and approval of the Nagaland and Central governments.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, YAPO president N. Thungdemo Tungoe said the organisation was dissatisfied with the ongoing activities, particularly in view of the area’s status as a DAB. He said any oil exploration or extraction-related activity should be carried out only in accordance with the applicable arrangements and with the knowledge and authorisation of the concerned governments.
The concern comes amid the installation of drilling infrastructure at the site.
YAPO questioned whether the Assam government or the agency executing the work had obtained the necessary clearances and approvals from the appropriate authorities before commencing the activities.
Tungoe pointed out that a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning oil exploration and extraction in the area was signed among the Governments of Nagaland, Assam and the Centre.
He said the tripartite nature of the agreement made it necessary to establish whether the present activities were being undertaken within the scope of the MoU and in accordance with its provisions.
He questioned whether the ongoing work was being carried out with the knowledge of the Nagaland and Central governments or whether it had commenced without the required consultation and approval. “If such work is being carried out without the knowledge of the other two parties, it should be stopped immediately,” Tungoe said.
YAPO president stressed that the issue was not merely about development or oil extraction but also involved the rights and interests of the people of the area, particularly given its location within the DAB.
He said activities involving natural resources in such an area should take into account the existing tripartite understanding and the jurisdictional sensitivities involved. YAPO urged the Nagaland and Central governments to take immediate cognizance of the activities and ascertain the exact nature and status of the work.
It also sought details of the agency carrying out the work, the authority under which it was operating and whether the activities formed part of the oil exploration and extraction arrangement covered by the MoU. The organisation further called for transparency regarding the permissions, clearances and procedures followed before the drilling-related infrastructure was installed at the site.
YAPO maintained that if the activities are found to be outside the provisions of the tripartite MoU or undertaken without the required approval and consultation, the competent authorities should take appropriate action, including halting the work until the matter is clarified.