Underlining oil exploration in the State as one priority focus of the government, chief minister TR Zeliang appealed to the public to pave way for smooth operation and survey work, which he said could enhance the state revenue and contribute towards economic uplift of the people.
Zeliang said this while addressing a mammoth gathering at a felicitation programme in his honour on becoming the chief minister organized by the Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN) in Jalukie town Monday morning.
Further, he said the module drafted by the Cabinet Sub-Cabinet Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG) safeguarded by Article 371 (A) was in the best interest of the landowners and the state government, not found in other parts of the country.
To buttress his point, TR Zeliang said Nagaland is not a revenue earning state and solely dependent on central funding for all development work. He also said forest products have also been depleted due to rampant logging in the recent past and therefore, oil exploration could be the main avenue for adding revenue to the State.
The chief minister expressed displeasure over objection raised from certain quarters against the move to conduct seismic survey of oil in Peren district. He questioned the rationale of those responsible for raising objections to survey work when the actual estimates of oil in the district has not been confirmed.
Drawing comparison between oil at Changpang and Tssori in Wokha and Peren districts, he said availability of oil was confirmed and even extracted past in Wokha but had to cease due to certain problems.
He however said availability of oil in Peren was yet to be confirmed and so urged the people to allow the survey work.
The chief minister has also reiterated the need for an early solution to the protracted Naga political issue as there can be no peace without solution. He said peace held the key for all round development without which life would be meaningless.
Echoing the public voice for all Naga political groups to come together under one common platform, Zeliang said it was not an easy task but reiterated, that people’s aspirations would be invincible if all worked in unity and sincerity.
He also described tribalism as a hurdle to peace in Naga society and reaffirmed his government’s resolve to rise above tribal lines and work cohesively for all round development so as to deliver the goods to the people.
Zeliang also said interferences from businessmen, bureaucrats or undergrounds could have ramification in politics and that his government’s resolve not to be influenced by such elements.
He also urged upon people to strengthen their respective tribal hohos by respecting and supporting them so as to uphold Naga customary rights.
Among those who also spoke included -Home minister Y Patton and Parliamentary Secretary for Horticulture Kejong Chang. Those present included Chairman of NIDC Namri Nchang ; president Rongmei Council Nagaland and President of Kuki Inpi Nagaland.
Invocation prayer was led by Executive secretary ZBCC, Izieteilung Teirang, dedicatory prayer by executive secretary LBAN Kitanwi and the benediction by executive secretary RBAN Rev. HM Gonmei.
Cultural dance presentation by Rongmei youth of Jalukie town and band display by 18 AR Jalukie were part of the programme.
The chief minister was accompanied by cabinet minister and parliamentary secretaries namely Y Patton, Kejong Chang, CL John, Tovihoto Ayemi, Namri Nchang, Dr. Benjongliba, Pukhayi Sumi, Nganlang Phom, Er. Picto, S Chuba Longkumer and NPF party officials.
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