CENTRAL NAGALAND TRIBES COUNCIL (CNTC)
OPEN REPRESENTATION
To,
Dr. Neiphiu Rio
Hon’ble Chief Minister
Government of Nagaland
Sub: Representation seeking immediate intervention and appropriate measures concerning the proposed oil exploration activities within the Disputed Area Belt (DAB).
Sir,
In inviting your kind attention to the above-referred subject, the Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) respectfully submits the following representation for the consideration of the Government.
At the outset, the Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) welcomes the Government of Nagaland’s decision to initiate petroleum exploration in the State, recognizing its potential to contribute to economic growth, employment generation, infrastructure development, and the overall progress of Nagaland. At the same time, we respectfully submit that the process must be carried out in a lawful, transparent, consultative, and environmentally responsible manner, ensuring the protection of the rights and interests of the indigenous people of Nagaland.
In this regard, we respectfully place the following demands for your immediate consideration and necessary action:
We respectfully request the Goverment to clearly identify, officially demarcate, and notify the precise geographical extent and boundaries of the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) where oil exploration is proposed to be undertaken. The absence of an officially demarcated area has created uncertainty and apprehension among the affected communities regarding the actual location and extent of the proposed exploration activities.
A clearly defined and officially notified boundary is indispensable to ensure transparency, prevent future disputes, safeguard the rights and interests of the affected landowners and villages, and facilitate informed decision-making by all stakeholders.
We further request that the Government convene a comprehensive consultative meeting with all stakeholders before proceeding with any oil exploration or drilling activities. Such consultation should include the affected landowners, Village Councils, Tribal Hohos, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), public representatives, experts, and all other concerned stakeholders.
The proposed consultative meeting should comprehensively deliberate upon the legal and policy framework governing oil exploration, the ownership and customary rights over land and natural resources, environmental and ecological safeguards, rehabilitation and compensation mechanisms wherever applicable, equitable benefit-sharing arrangements for the affected communities, employment opportunities for local youth, effective mechanisms for dispute resolution, and the establishment of a robust framework for long-term monitoring, regulatory oversight, and accountability. Such a consultative process would ensure transparency, protect the rights and interests of all stakeholders, foster mutual trust and cooperation, and facilitate the formulation of a sustainable and mutually acceptable framework for oil exploration and development within the State. A participatory and transparent consultative process will promote public confidence, minimize future conflicts, and ensure that development proceeds with the informed consent and cooperation of all concerned.
Furthermore, we urge the Government to establish at least one oil refinery within the State of Nagaland. The extraction of petroleum resources without corresponding downstream industrial infrastructure would deprive the State of substantial long-term economic benefits.
The establishment of at least one oil refinery within the State of Nagaland would generate substantial long-term socio-economic and industrial benefits by creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for the people of Nagaland across the petroleum and allied sectors. It would foster industrialization and promote the growth of ancillary and downstream industries, thereby strengthening the State’s industrial base. The refinery would also enhance the State’s revenue generation through increased economic activity, value addition, taxation, and other legitimate sources of income, while attracting both public and private investment and accelerating the development of critical infrastructure. Furthermore, it would strengthen regional energy security by facilitating the local processing and supply of petroleum products and ensure that the value addition arising from the extraction and processing of the State’s petroleum resources primarily benefits the people of Nagaland, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth and the overall welfare of its citizens.
Accordingly, we request that the establishment of an oil refinery be incorporated as an integral component of the State’s petroleum development policy.
Pending compliance with all legal, administrative, environmental, and consultative requirements, we respectfully request the Government to immediately suspend all ongoing drilling and oil exploration activities by Assam Counterpart within the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) until the issue is resolved amicably through mutual consultation.
No oil exploration or drilling activities should be permitted to continue within the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) until the area has been officially identified and duly demarcated, all statutory approvals and legal requirements have been fully complied with, all requisite environmental assessments and safeguards have been completed wherever applicable, comprehensive consultations have been conducted with all affected stakeholders, and a mutually agreed framework governing oil exploration, environmental protection, equitable benefit-sharing, and the recognition and protection of customary land and natural resource rights has been finalized and adopted by all concerned parties.
Proceeding with exploration activities without fulfilling these prerequisites may give rise to avoidable disputes, public unrest, legal complications, and the erosion of public confidence in the decision-making process.
We respectfully urge the Government to ensure that all oil exploration and drilling activities are undertaken in strict compliance with applicable environmental laws and standards. Necessary environmental assessments should be completed wherever applicable, and adequate measures must be adopted to prevent pollution, protect forests, water sources, agricultural land, and biodiversity, and minimize ecological damage. Continuous environmental monitoring and timely restoration of any environmental damage should also be ensured to safeguard the interests of present and future generations.
In view of the foregoing, we most eamestly request your good office to give due consideration to the above demands and take immediate and appropriate action in the larger interest of justice, transparency, sustainable development, environmental protection, and the welfare of the people of Nagaland.
We trust that the Government will appreciate the concems of the CNTC in their proper perspective and act in the best interest of the people.
Yours faithfully,
Mr. Hukiye Yepthomi
President
Mr. Akum Pongen General Secretary
(The views expressed are those of the writer and not of the newspaper)