DIMAPUR, JUL 18 (NPN): Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) has urged the state government to immediately suspend all ongoing oil exploration and drilling activities in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) until the area was officially demarcated and comprehensive consultations were held with all stakeholders.
In an open representation addressed to state chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, CNTC president Hukiye Yepthomi and general secretary Akum Pongen welcomed the state government’s decision to pursue petroleum exploration, saying it has the potential to boost economic growth, employment and infrastructure development. However, the council stressed that the process must be lawful, transparent, consultative and environmentally responsible while safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities.
DAB demarcation: CNTC called upon the state government to clearly identify, officially demarcate and notify the geographical extent of the Disputed Area Belt where oil exploration has been proposed.
It said the absence of an officially demarcated boundary has created uncertainty among affected villages and landowners regarding the location and extent of the proposed exploration activities.
The council noted that official notification of the DAB would ensure transparency, prevent future disputes and protect the rights of indigenous landowners.
Stakeholder consultation: The council also urged the state government to convene a comprehensive consultative meeting involving affected landowners, village councils, tribal hohos, civil society organisations, public representatives, experts and other stakeholders before proceeding with exploration.
According to CNTC, the consultation should deliberate on the legal and policy framework governing oil exploration, customary ownership of land and natural resources, environmental safeguards, compensation and rehabilitation, equitable benefit-sharing, employment opportunities for local youth, dispute resolution mechanisms and long-term regulatory oversight.
It stressed that a transparent and participatory consultation would build public confidence, minimise future conflicts and ensure development proceeds with the informed consent of all concerned.
Refinery in Nagaland: CNTC further urged the state government to establish at least one oil refinery in Nagaland, arguing that extracting petroleum without downstream industrial infrastructure would deprive the state of substantial long-term economic benefits.
It said a refinery would generate employment, promote industrialization, strengthen the state’s revenue base, attract investment, improve infrastructure and enhance regional energy security through local processing of petroleum resources.
The council requested the government to incorporate the establishment of an oil refinery as an integral component of the state’s petroleum development policy.
Suspension of drilling: Pending compliance with all legal, administrative, environmental and consultative requirements, CNTC demanded the immediate suspension of all ongoing drilling and oil exploration activities by Assam within the Disputed Area Belt until the matter was resolved through mutual consultation.
The council maintained that no exploration should continue until the area was officially demarcated, statutory approvals and environmental requirements were fulfilled, consultations were completed and a mutually agreed framework on exploration, environmental protection, benefit-sharing and customary land rights was adopted.
It cautioned that proceeding without meeting these prerequisites could trigger avoidable disputes, public unrest and legal complications.
Environmental safeguards: CNTC also called upon the state government to ensure strict compliance with environmental laws during exploration, including conducting necessary environmental assessments, protecting forests, water sources, agricultural land and biodiversity, and establishing mechanisms for continuous environmental monitoring and restoration.
The council urged the government to give due consideration to its demands in the interest of justice, transparency, sustainable development, environmental protection and the welfare of the people of Nagaland.