Amid ongoing discussions over oil exploration in the Disputed Area Belt between Assam and Nagaland, chief minister Neiphiu Rio clarified that the Union Home Ministry and Assam government have already conveyed their decision to initiate exploration and exploitation of crude oil in the disputed areas.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of the inauguration of Sammogooting Stadium, Rio disclosed that royalties from oil exploration in disputed areas would be shared equally (50:50) between Assam and Nagaland. For areas where ownership remains unclear, royalties would be deposited in an escrow account until a resolution is reached.
When asked about Nagaland’s position on the current move by Assam, Rio acknowledged that these areas are disputed and emphasized the need for Nagaland to assert its stance as an equal stakeholder.
He reiterated that the state government wanted a resolution to the disputed areas. However, he said that since the neutral forces were under the command of Assam, they were doing whatever they wanted, even though the Nagas were the real owners of land.
On exploration of resources in Nagaland, he remarked that it was up to the people of the state whether they wanted to utilise their resources. Rio revealed that the state cabinet had discussed the matter and was awaiting a court judgment to clarify ownership.
Highlighting the vast untapped mineral wealth, including deposits of cobalt, nickel, and petroleum, worth billions of dollars, he lamented the lack of understanding by the Nagas, maintaining that this was the reason why they remained poor even though they were rich. “We are rich, but we decided to remain poor. So it is up to the people,” he remarked.
On the stalled up-gradation of Dimapur railway station into a world-class facility due to encroachment, Rio agreed that the encroachers would have to be removed. “If people don’t want development, we can’t help. If they want it, they should make way for development to come,” he said.