The Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has urged the Nagaland State Cabinet Sub-Committee on Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Production to refrain from pursuing oil exploration before the conclusion of an “acceptable and honourable” Indo-Naga political settlement.
In a press statement issued ahead of the Sub-Committee’s meeting scheduled for July 24, the WC, NNPGs, described the state’s oil fields as “as sacred as any part of Naga ancestral land” and asserted that any move to extract oil and natural resources before the signing of a political solution with the Government of India would be “very immoral and treacherous.”
“It is nothing short of attempting to suck the very blood of thousands of Naga freedom martyrs seeped into the sacred soil. This looting plan is best avoided,” the statement said.
The organisation further claimed that oil and natural gas currently remain “in the domain and subject matter of political negotiations” and maintained that their exploration and utilisation would be determined only after the finalisation of the Indo-Naga political settlement.
In the meantime, the WC urged the Government of Nagaland to focus on securing funds from the Centre to improve infrastructure, healthcare, schools and colleges instead of pursuing resource extraction.
“The Government of Nagaland must bring funds from New Delhi, build infrastructure, improve healthcare structure, build schools and colleges,” it stated.
Reiterating its position on ownership of natural resources, the WC asserted that it would, “along with the Nagas, go to any lengths to defend the absolute ownership of Nagas over their land and natural resources, above and below.”
The statement also traced the history of the Naga political movement, referring to the entry of Capt. Francis Jenkins and Lt. R.B. Pemberton into Naga territory in 1832 as the beginning of the Anglo-Naga conflict, and said the movement had evolved “at the cost of thousands of precious lives” since India’s Independence.
Citing the “Agreed Position” signed between the NNPGs and the Government of India, the WC said the agreement recognises “the historical and political rights of the Nagas to self-determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity.”
It added that this principle “is not for a few tribes or groups” but “will stand the test of time for the entire Naga people and for generations to come.”