WC-NNPG convenor Kitovi Zhimomi opposes oil exploration before Naga political settlement, citing unresolved boundary dispute and resource ownership concerns
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DIMAPUR — Convenor of the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG), N Kitovi Zhimomi, on Saturday questioned the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) on oil exploration reportedly signed among the governments of Nagaland and Assam and the Centre, asserting that no exploration or extraction should proceed until the Naga political issue settled and interstate boundary dispute resolved.
Speaking to media persons after the Fed-Up Nagas rally in Chümoukedima, Zhimomi argued that under the Agreed Position signed between the government of India and the WC-NNPG, ownership of land and natural resources rests with the Naga people, while the proposed Nagaland Tatar Hoho would serve as the apex authority to legislate on such matters.
Questioning the authority behind the MoU signing, he cautioned against repeating the mistakes of the 16-Point Agreement, maintaining that major decisions affecting the Naga people should not be taken without broad consultation.
WC-NNPG opposes oil exploration until Naga political settlement is signed
He further asserted that oil exploration and extraction should not proceed until the Assam-Nagaland boundary dispute is settled, warning that moving ahead without resolving the issue could create further complications.
Commenting on the public response to the Fed-Up Nagas rally, Zhimomi described the turnout as encouraging, saying it reflected people's desire for a secure and peaceful future.
"Our hearts are warmed by the response. People have lost confidence and many fear for the future of their children. Yet, despite the heat and difficulties, they came voluntarily because they want a better future. That is a very positive sign," he said.
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Responding to questions over the absence of the NSCN-IM and other Naga political groups at the rally, Zhimomi said he was not aware of the reasons behind the NSCN-IM's decision not to participate.
However, he said that the group led by MB Neokpao Konyak and Alezo Venuh had informed the organisers that it would be unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances and had conveyed this through a letter.
Asked about reports that the NSCN-IM stayed away because veteran politician SC Jamir had initially been scheduled to address the rally, Zhimomi responded that he could not confirm the reason.
He, however, recalled a similar incident in 1997 when a Naga delegation was invited to Atlanta by the North American Baptist Fellowship.
According to Zhimomi, Jamir had been expected to attend that meeting, but the NSCN-IM reportedly declined to participate because of his presence.
He said that Jamir subsequently withdrew to avoid creating divisions among the Nagas, but the NSCN-IM still did not attend.
"If that is the reason they are giving today, then they themselves should explain it," he said.
When asked about allegations that he was sponsoring the Fed-Up Nagas movement, Zhimomi denied the claim, saying he had initially been sceptical of the youth initiative because of past experiences with organisations that later ‘lost direction.’
However, after interacting with its members, he claimed that he became convinced of their sincerity.
"It is not a matter of sponsorship. We met at a crossroads. My aspirations and theirs matched, and we ended up walking together. So, the question of sponsorship or patronising does not arise," he said.
On the prolonged delay in implementing the Naga political agreements, Zhimomi claimed that both the government of India and the negotiators who signed the agreements were prepared to move forward with implementation.
He maintained that it must be determined who was responsible for the delay—whether the government of India, the signatories to the agreements or a third party.