Unresolved boundary, oil exploration issues subject to political negotiations – WC, NNPG

DIMAPUR — The Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPG) has demanded that Nagaland government withdraw any kind of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Assam on the unresolved boundary or mineral exploration issues.

The WC, NNPG argued that both Assam and Nagaland do not have any powers to negotiate or enter into mutual agreements on oil exploration or other contracts along the unresolved border areas, as the matter has been subject to intense political negotiations between the WC, NNPG and the Government of India.

“The subject is a core part of Indo-Naga political talks, negotiated and awaiting final agreement between GoI and Naga negotiators. Both Assam and Nagaland State governments are only caretaker governments as far as the disputed areas are concerned,” the WC, NNPG stated in a press communiqué.

The media recently reported that the chief ministers of Assam and Nagaland had on April 20 in New Delhi, “agreed in principle to go ahead with oil exploration in areas along their disputed boundary for economic benefit of both states.”

The NNPG said Nagaland and Assam governments should not forget the past history of violence and conflict along the borders that cost hundreds of innocent lives and police personnel.

“The handshakes should not invite another round of bloodshed,” it stated.

Pointing out that there are armed revolutionary movements fighting for the right to safeguard their historical and political rights in both the regions, the NNPG said the “proposed MOU on E&P activities on the undemarcated borders” would have serious consequences in the border areas. 

“Political leaders should not take the peaceful situation as a license to do anything they wish on land and resources. They will be held solely responsible for any repercussions in the disputed areas.

“Let it be known that Nagas are solely land owners in the disturb area belt and they have every right to adopt any measure to protect historical and customary rights over land against blatant misuse of power and authority by embezzlers and profiteers,” it stated.

WC, NNPG also said elected representatives of Nagaland Legislature from the oil-bearing areas of Mon, Longleng, Mokokchung, Wokha, Niuland, Dimapur and Peren, must understand that “the proposed MOU on oil exploration is another scam to loot the future of the Naga people.”

“The onus is on the legislators to make their position clear on the matter. The commitment to work for Indo-Naga Political solution must be applied in letter and spirit. Ignoring the stakeholders, the current dispensation appears to be creating an economic platform to drain the wealth of our future generations,” WC, NNPG said.

Alleging that the opposition-less Government in Nagaland is increasingly exhibiting traits of “authoritarianism,” WC, NNPG said the people must respond when political and historical rights are shelved into cold storage and societal fabric is twisted roughly through economic imbalances.

“WC, NNPG has not surrendered our ancestral land to any neighbouring States. The political difficulty of Assam leadership in giving back the boundaries is a matter to be resolved by them. Naga history is clear on this subject and we believe peaceful resolution of Nagaland-Assam boundary matter will be in the interest of all parties,” it stated.

WC, NNPG went on to say that the Government of India has clearly understood the Naga position and aspiration on the historical, political and possible administrative realignments.

 “The facts are on the table. Finally, any MOU signed with Assam Government at this crucial juncture shall be considered as a direct attempt to sell off Naga rights for which the consequences will be widespread and unimaginable,” WC, NNPG said.

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