MLA asks government to verify ONGC activity near Lio Woka; Patton says border situation under control
Concern over alleged oil survey and drilling activity in the disputed area belt along the Assam-Nagaland border came up in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday, with MLA Achumbemo Kikon warning that oil deposits falling within Nagaland’s jurisdiction could potentially be exhausted through operations from the Assam side.
Raising the issue, Kikon referred to the recent tripartite MoU among Nagaland, Assam and the Government of India concerning survey, exploration and extraction of crude oil and minerals in the disputed area belt.
He said sections of the Naga community were opposed to the activities and claimed that ONGC had reportedly commenced survey work from the Assam side and was identifying possible locations for drilling.
Kikon warned that deposits located within Nagaland’s jurisdiction could potentially be extracted and exhausted through inclined or directional drilling from the Assam side.
The issue assumes significance in the backdrop of the recent tripartite agreement concerning oil and mineral exploration in the disputed belt, as well as renewed tensions along the Assam-Nagaland border.
Kikon also raised concerns over recent incidents along the border, including the August 25 confrontation after Assam Forest officials stopped a vehicle carrying saplings to Longayim.
He said another incident occurred on August 26 when Meri/Mising protesters allegedly attacked the chairmen of Longayim and Lio-Longchum and the joint secretary of the Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation. The protesters were later dispersed following talks.
Responding to the concerns, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton said the situation along the border was currently under control.
He said the August 25 incident followed the stopping of a vehicle carrying saplings by Assam Forest officials. Border Magistrates subsequently assessed the situation.
Patton said the Deputy Commissioner of Wokha later met the Deputy Commissioner of Golaghat at the 142 CRPF Camp at Merapani, following which the Border Level Peace Committee was activated.
He said coordination between the two States was being maintained to avoid unilateral eviction and plantation activities along the disputed border.
Kikon’s intervention also sought clarity on the implications of oil exploration and extraction in an area where territorial claims remain disputed, particularly in view of the State’s concerns over the utilisation of natural resources.
