Naga Hoho (NH) has called for exploration and production (E&P) of petroleum to boost the state’s economy, besides preparing a clear roadmap for early resumption of oil exploration.
Noting that a discussion between the Assam and Nagaland governments for oil exploration and sharing of oil royalties in disputed areas were on, the hoho in a statement insisted that whatever oil exploration was being undertaken in the disputed areas, the Government of Nagaland Model and Government of Assam Model must be compiled together and an “Oil Exploration & Production Licence” should be signed by both the state governments.
Therefore, till such time, the hoho demanded that all oil exploration activities falling under the Disturbed Area Belt (DAB) must be stopped immediately while admitting that Assam was ahead of Nagaland in oil E&P.
NH said oil in Nagaland was a part of the Assam-Arakan Basin that had established hydrocarbon occurrences and Nagaland has the potential for extensive and intensive exploration. Further the Hoho claimed that Nagaland attracted the attention of petroleum explorers since the pre-Partition days and that the prospects of hydrocarbons being available in the entire Naga hills were high.
NH also urged the Nagas to ponder over the benefits if fossil fuels deposits were found in Nagaland, and the impact this would have in the local economy. Mentioning that there were many technology improvements that would eventually replace non-renewable energy, the hoho wondered if Nagaland was willing to be left behind.
The Hoho said Nagaland has exclusive rights over its land and resources as per Article 371A and therefore, urged upon the state government to strengthen the Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulations, 2012, to start oil exploration in all oil-bearing areas in Nagaland.
While stating that the issue over who owned the land and resources still remained contested, the NH alleged that since the closure of oil extraction in 1994, neither the government, NGO or CSO had taken up any remedial measures to contain the oil spills that posed environment hazards.
On negotiations over oil royalty, it suggested that all the Nagas be consulted, admitting that Nagaland had incurred significant financial losses for not utilising its natural oil resources to date.
NH stressed that the potential revenue could have a substantial impact on the state’s economic development, while improving the quality of life for citizens.
“This amount could have funded numerous infrastructural developments, factories, healthcare, education, and sports initiatives, ultimately transforming our state and generating employment opportunities for our young and energetic generation,” the hoho stated.
Recalling the past experiences which served as lesson, the NH called for harnessing Nagaland’s rich natural resources for the benefit of the state and its people, urging the government to be very prudent while addressing the ongoing oil exploration and leverage these resources to achieve the economic goals.
Meanwhile, lamenting that unresolved issues had deprived Nagaland from significant monetary benefits, the hoho called upon all Nagas to work together to build a future where every citizen of Nagaland enjoyed the benefits of economic progress.
The hoho urged the state government to start oil and natural gas exploration, besides consulting with the stakeholders concerned, so that the Nagas could one day achieve their economic independence in the near future.