Oil exploration is part & parcel of political settlement: Jamir

May 3, 2023 35 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 3

Reiterating the stance of various organisations in Nagaland, including the Working Committee of the NNPGs, former governor and chief minister, Dr SC Jamir on Tuesday stated that as the Indo-Naga political issue is still yet to reach final settlement, the State Government ought to exercise patience in proposing any deal on oil exploration with Assam along the Disturbed Area Belt (DAB).

Jamir maintained that oil exploration is related to the political settlement and only when “political settlement is made shall we be able to draw out a clear line.”

Speaking with media persons on the sidelines of the Moatsü celebration hosted by the Ongpangkong Senso Telongjem Dimaur (OSTD) at Senden Riju, Dimapur on May 2, Jamir also opined that the idea of sharing of royalties between Assam and Nagaland was a doubtful endeavour especially at the DAB.

Ever since Assam and Nagaland Chief Ministers, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Neiphiu Rio on April 21 agreed in principle to go ahead with oil exploration in areas along their disputed boundary for the economic benefit of both states, there have been oppositions as well as acquiescence from different quarters over the proposal.

The Lotha Hoho had only recently expressed its concern over the Nagaland Government’s intention to initiate oil extraction in Nagaland and within the DAB in collaboration with Assam. It had questioned why the State should accept ‘unjustified claims’ of Assam.

“Even in the 16-point agreement, we have made it very clear about the boundary and the issue of transfer of forestry in our land and the case is still pending,” Jamir added on Tuesday.

In matters relating to the contentious Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) election, the former chief minister had come out criticising the present political leadership of mixing governance with ‘cheap populism.’

Referring to the comments he made, Jamir remarked that. “All leaders whether present or past should accept criticism from all sections of the people and take it in good faith.”