Kohima, 9 May (MTNews): The much awaited consultative meeting between the Government of Nagaland, tribal organizations and Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders on Tuesday lasted for more than five hours at the State Banquet Hall, Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima.
Minister in-charge of Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye and advisor Information and Public Relations and S&WC, Imkong L Imchen accompanied by Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Abhijit Sinha, IAS briefed the media personnel after the consultative meeting where they confirmed that the meeting was organized to deliberate on matters pertaining to oil and gas exploration and production, Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and the Nagaland Village and Tribal Councils Act, 1978.
According to them, the meeting was a success with ‘fruitful discussions’ and said that the Government welcomed the constructive opinions and suggestions of the people pertaining to the matters stated above.
Regarding the oil and gas exploration and production in the Disturbed Area Belt (DAB), Minister Kenye said that the Department of Geology and Mining made a PowerPoint presentation which showed the actual picture of the minerals in the state. Meanwhile, Sinha clarified that no MOU has so far been signed with any agency or State government regarding this.
Speaking on the RIIN issue, Sinha said that because a lot of consultations had already been taken, they have “almost finalized” what to do with RIIN next. He also viewed that during the consultations, they have come across a broader consensus although few feedbacks are still awaited.
He also talked about how the Bano Commission on RIIN had recommended that “Other non-indigenous people who have come before December 1, 1963 will be eligible for PRC” has almost found consensus within the people and so on.
Speaking about Nagaland Village and Tribal Councils Act, 1978, Sinha said that because it is very old and there have been a lot of amendments, people are either confused or are not much aware about it. Hence, he said, the discussion on the Act was to create more awareness and not to make any specific amendments.
Earlier at the consultative meeting, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio delivered the keynote address and the concluding remarks while the opening remarks were delivered by Deputy Chief Ministers Y Patton and TR Zeliang.
During the meeting, Advocate General of Nagaland, KN Balgopal briefed the gathering on Urban Local Bodies (ULBs); Principal Secretary, Home, Abhijit Sinha briefed on RIIN and The Nagaland Village and Tribal Councils Act, 1978; while Commissioner & Secretary, Geology & Mining, K Libanthung Lotha briefed on Oil and Gas Exploration and Production.
Various representatives from the Tribal Hohos and CSOs also shared their views and opinions pertaining to the agenda.
