After the government of Nagaland invited the Expression of Interests (EoI) for exploration, production/extraction of petroleum and natural gas in 11 oil and gas zones in the state, Changpang Land Owners’ Union (CLOU) has demanded the government that “separate agreement” be signed between the landowners and the operating companies to facilitate “smooth conduct” of the process.
In a representation submitted to the 40 Bhandari A/C MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon Thursday during a meeting, CLOU president Mhao Odyuo and general secretary Y. John Kikon also asked for restoration of infrastructural feasibilities at Changpang-Tssori oil fields and resumption of oil activities.The union said it has observed the interest of various companies in the “proven reserves” of Changpang and Tssori oil fields.
CLOU, however, reminded that due to the exploration activities, the people of the area were unable to cultivate in their lands and there was an adverse threat to health.
The representation was submitted to the MLA Thursday after a public meeting was held at Changpang to discuss the latest developments that unfolded after the state government invited EoI in January.
Mmhonlumo, while addressing the gathering, disclosed that 21 companies have shown interest in oil and gas exploration in the state. He, however, said the criteria were yet to be drawn for selecting suitable companies.
The MLA hoped that the process would be conducted in the most democratic and transparent manner. He said whatever process the government might follow, the companies as well as the government have to respect the rights of the landowners.
Stating that the politics of oil impacted livelihood, culture, politics and even history, Mmhonlumo said the key to solving the issues related to oil exploration lay with how “harmony” could be created between the policy of the government and the people who were residing in the oil belts.
Reminding that the Changpang region has earned a royalty of Rs. 33 crore since 1981, the MLA lamented the fact that the area still continued to be one of the most underdeveloped regions in the state.
On the issues of certain misunderstanding over the oil exploration issues in Wokha district, Jonas Yanthan on behalf of both Kohima Lotha Hoho and Dimapur Lotha Hoho clarified that Lothas in Kohima or Dimapur had no ulterior motives other than the interests of the people of the region.
Others who spoke during the public meeting included Tssori Old Land Owners’ Union president T. Amos Kikon; Razouvotuo Chatsu from Chakroma Public Organization; N. Azu Newmai from Zeliang People Organisation and Zalipu, chairman of Northern Sumi Hoho. The meeting was chaired by Changpang Village Council chairman S. Thungjamo. Most of the tribe representatives agreed to join hands in an effort to face the task of extracting maximum benefit for the people in the event of oil exploration in the state.
It may be mentioned that in exercise of the power under rule 10 of Nagaland petroleum & natural gas rules, 2012, Nagaland petroleum & natural gas board had invited EoI from January 9.
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