Royalty from oil extraction in disputed Assam-Nagaland area to be shared 50-50, says CM Rio

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today discussed the ongoing issue of crude oil exploration along the disputed Assam-Nagaland border, stating that the Government of India (GOI), the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Assam government are all in touch with the state government. He noted that all parties have been informed that the exploration of crude oil should begin.

“In the disputed area, anything extracted will have the royalty shared 50-50. Where there is no clarity, it will be resolved later,” Rio stated, addressing the need for action while acknowledging the ongoing territorial dispute.

Rio explained that while Nagaland has full control over its resources, the state wants to resolve the matter in the disputed area. “I am talking about the disputed area. In Nagaland’s side, it is up to us whether we want to utilize our resources or keep it like that. But in the disputed area, we want to resolve it,” he said.

He also expressed his concern over the neutral forces stationed in the area, which he claimed are under the Assam government’s control. “They are doing ‘Kushi kushi’ [in a relaxed manner], and we are talking ‘we are malik-malik’ [we are the owners], but where is our power?” Rio remarked. He stressed that Nagaland should assert its position, saying, “That is why we should show we are also ‘malik’ and show some position.”

The Chief Minister revealed that the state cabinet has discussed the issue and is currently awaiting a court ruling on the ownership of the contested area. “The court has debated and concluded in our favor. We are just waiting for the judgment,” he said.

Rio also pointed out the region’s vast mineral resources, which include valuable deposits of cobalt and nickel—minerals crucial for modern technology, including electric vehicles and gadgets.

“There is a huge deposit of rich minerals like cobalt and nickel, which are used today for any electronic vehicles and gadgets,” he said, highlighting that these resources are worth billions of dollars, with potential reserves in the millions of tonnes.

Despite the vast wealth available, Rio expressed concern that the state has not fully tapped into its potential. “We don’t understand what that wealth is,” he said. “So, we remain poor. We are rich, but we have decided to remain poor. It’s up to the people,” he said.

MT