‘No MoU for oil exploration with Assam, was only a process’

State govt holds consultative meet with hohos, civil societies on RIIN, oil exploration and  NVTCA 1978

Morung Express News
Kohima | May 10

Appearing to take a ‘U’ turn over the issue of signing of MoU between the Assam and Nagaland governments for oil exploration along the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), the State Government on Tuesday claimed that there was never was a MoU for oil exploration but only ‘a process.’

Briefing media persons following the consultative meet called by the state government with tribal hohos and Naga civil society organizations, Advisor Imkong L Imchen claimed that “oil royalty sharing was never proposed from any quarter till today. There was no signing of MoU but only a breakthrough.”

Since the April 21 report of Assam and Nagaland chief ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma and Neiphiu Rio agreeing in principle to go ahead with oil exploration in areas along their disputed boundary for economic benefit of both states, there have been numerous opposition from different quarters including tribal hohos, civil societies and notably the Naga national groups. There was also some welcome over the same. 

However, the state government appeared to have changed their stance after the Tuesday consultative meet. 

Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye said Tuesday’s discussion was focused on oil exploration in the state starting from the early seventies upto the latest incident in Wokha district.

The Department of Geology and Mining, he said also dwelt at length through a power point presentation giving the correct picture of the mineral wealth, especially in the oil and natural gas sector.

‘The legal battles which we have had and what’s exactly happening in the disturbed area belts and the prospects of being able to resolve or not being able to resolve were correctly presented,’ said Kenye. They said that more consultations will be made on this issue, he added.

RIIN almost finalised
Following the presentation of the fact of the matter on the ground as to why implementation of Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) has been necessary and how to go about, the implementation is almost finalised except a few minor things.

This was informed by Principal Secretary for Home, Abhijit Sinha at the press briefing.  Sinha said consultations are over while adding ‘we have almost finalised what is the next step we are going to take about RIIN. More or less the consensus is there that we have to proceed in this manner although feedback is required on few minor things.’ 

He informed that a notification will be issued in this regard for the 15 Naga tribes and other four tribes Kuki, Garo, Mikhir and Kachari and who are residents of Nagaland prior to statehood.

Village Tribal Council Act of 1978
The Village Tribal Council Act of 1978 was also discussed during the meeting considering that many either are not aware of the provisions or have forgotten about it since it is an old document, said Kenye.

This, he said was taken up mostly to create awareness among the tribal bodies where ‘they have been urged to read through these acts.’

Stating that village councils happened to be the most important customary body in Nagaland, Sinha said the Act provides detailed provisions on how to constitute and run keeping ‘intact’ the customary laws. 

However, he noted that many of the provisions though very clear; sometimes, decisions were being taken in such a manner that weakened the traditional nature of these bodies due to lack of awareness of the Act.

During the discussions, he said some suggestions were also shared wherein the Home department assured it would look and study into it. Sinha informed that the copies of the Act were also distributed to the members present to create awareness and clarify.

Official consensus on ULBs
Kenye informed that there has been an ‘official consensus’ on the repeal of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 whereby the members present have appreciated the decision of the government to frame state own laws. A committee will be formed to do initiate the process in this regard.

When queried under what provisions the municipal council of Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung are functioning when the Act has been repealed, Sinha said as per the provisions the administrators can still function as it has been.

The briefing was held to enlighten the media on the consultative meeting held earlier with tribal hohos and civil society organizations at the State Banquet Hall, CM’s Residential Complex, Kohima to deliberate on matters pertaining to oil and gas exploration and production, RIIN and the Nagaland Village and Tribal Councils Act, 1978. 

Terming the day’s meeting as very fruitful; Kenye said invitation was extended to all recognised tribes of the state, civil society, including the minority communities where in the government extensively presented on the backgrounds on all the issues.

During the consultative meeting, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio delivered the keynote address and the concluding remarks while the opening remarks were delivered by Deputy Chief Minister & Minister-in-charge for Home & Border Affairs, Y. Patton and Deputy Chief Minister & Minister-in-charge, Planning & Transformation, T. R Zeliang. 

Advocate General of Nagaland, K. N. Balgopal briefed the gathering on ULBs; Principal Secretary, Home, Abhijit Sinha briefed on RIIN, The Nagaland Village and Tribal Councils Act, 1978 while Commissioner & Secretary, Geology & Mining, K. Libanthung Lotha briefed on oil and gas exploration and production.