Western Sumi panel seeks clarity on oil issues

DIMAPUR, SEP 20 (NPN): Western Sümi Area Oil & Natural Resources Committee (WSAONRC), formed under the aegis of Western Sümi Hoho, submitted a representation to the chief minister on exploration and extraction of oil and natural gas resources in Nagaland.
While appreciating the state government’s initiative to pursue oil and gas exploration, which it described as vital to reversing long-standing socio-economic setbacks, the committee raised concerns over transparency, fairness and economic justice for indigenous people. It urged the government to make public all Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed for exploration or extraction to ensure equitable outcomes for all stakeholders, while ensuring accountability and public access to all relevant agreements and resource-related decisions. Highlighting revenue disparities, WSAONRC sought clarification on revenue-sharing mechanisms in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB).
It stated that Assam generated Rs. 9,903.63 crore as its state share from eight drilling points in the DAB between 2017 and 2022. The committee sought details of Nagaland’s revenue-sharing modalities and whether the State had received its rightful share. To promote local economic growth and energy infrastructure, the committee proposed establishing an oil refinery and gas plant at Niuland and Ganesh Nagar, saying such investment would create employment and strengthen the region’s economic foundation.
WSAONRC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the fundamental rights of the Naga people and urged the government to uphold constitutional protections under Article 371A, particularly rights over land and natural resources.
“Our natural resources represent the future and livelihood of our people. While we support sustainable economic progress, development must not come at the expense of transparency, local infrastructure, or our constitutional rights under Article 371A. We urge the government to act decisively to ensure that our land and people receive the full benefit of these resources,” convenor Kughalü Aye and member secretary Kabo G. Zhiomomi said.
WSAONRC said it remained committed to working with the government and community stakeholders to ensure resource management in Nagaland upholds integrity, public benefit and constitutional respect.