High time to tap state’s natural resources, says Nagaland Chief Minister Rio

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said it is high time for Nagaland to start generating revenue by tapping on its oil and natural gas, and rich mineral reserves, in order to stop being a ‘parasite’ and dependent on the Centre for funds.

However, he said that the state government has “no intention to confront” the tribal hohos if they are against the bipartite and tripartite MoUs for the exploration of oil in the state.

The chief minister was replying to a starred query raised by NPF legislator Achumbemo Kikon during the second session of the 14th NLA.

“We are rich but we remain poor because we do not want to extract our natural resources,” he said.

He went on to say that, “if we think that Naga political settlement is more beneficial, then we will continue to wait because in Nagaland, everybody speaks their mind and everybody is giving their views. But collectively, we have to take up the issue and get it settled early. Today, it will be far-fetched to dream and give sweeping remarks. Instead, let us be more practical and update ourselves”.

He lamented things not going as desired despite the effort put in by the state government.

Giving an update on the MoUs for oil exploration, Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, said that the state government has been discussing the bipartite MoU framework, for expediting petroleum operations in the state, as proposed by the Government of India under Nomination and Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) regimes after taking Article 371A into consideration.

Further discussion with the Assam and Central governments on a ‘tripartite MoU’ on the framework, for equal sharing of revenue from petroleum operations to be carried out in the entire disputed area belt (DAB) as an interim arrangement, is underway, he added.

As for the Changpang oil field, Kenye said it is outside the DAB and may be included in the Bipartite MoU when it is finalised.

Meanwhile, Kikon said the bipartite and tripartite MoUs for the exploration of oil is a “serious matter” as it pertains to the historical rights and economy of the Naga people.

He added that the state would be “sacrificing” a lot of its land if it agrees to the MoUs.

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