CM launches resumption of oil ops

T.R. DEFENDS MOGPL; COMPANY ASSURES FULFILMENT OF CONDITIONS
Amid raging controversies and a boycott call given by Kyong Students’ Union (KSU) against award of oil belt in Wokha to Metropolitan Oil & Gas Pvt.Ltd. (MOGPL) , Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang Monday officially launched the resumption of oil exploration in Changpang and Tssori areas after a gap of 20 years.
In his speech at Changpang village, Zeliang maintained that resumption of oil exploration in Changpang and Tssori areas would usher a new era of economic prosperity and development to people of the two villages in particular and the state in general.
According to CMO media cell, the chief minister asserted that the people of the area had not benefited though huge quantity of oil was extracted by ONGC in the absence of any rule for regulating oil exploration activity in Nagaland.
Zeliang said under Central Rules governing oil activity, ONGC extracted 1.5 million tons of crude during trial production and paid only Rs.33 crore royalty to the state and Rs.63 as to the land owners. He said ONGC betrayed the trust and confidence reposed by the people and the state .
He said that if the value was calculated as per the new Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, the revenue would have Rs. 329 crore.
He also said the state government has taken maximum risk while framing NP&NGR and stood its ground in spite of heavy pressure from the government of India to repeal the said the rules.
Zeliang also said that NP&NGR was framed as per the provision of Article 371 (A) and the state government was all out to protect the rights and privilege of the Nagas enshrined in the Article 371 (A).
He also said that since the state government now had its own rules, there was “no chance of betrayal” by any company.
T.R. defends MOGPL
While MOGPL, which is in the eye of the storm, had not clarified controversies surrounding financial dealings of its major shareholders, the chief minister took the surprising step of coming to its defence.
In his speech T.R.Zeliang said MOGPL was selected by the state government after careful scrutiny and after having fulfilled all criteria besides quoting the highest revenue sharing of 18%.
He also maintained that there was “no evidence” that MOGPL was blacklisted or banned from operating in India. Zeliang said if any incriminating evidence was found , the state government would never have selected MOGPL.
Further, he also said MOGPL’s exploration license was liable to be canceled anytime if its performance was not up to expectation or failed to start exploration within six months as per the agreement.
He appealed to the people to extend support to MOGPL for smooth exploration and to thwart disruption from any quarters. He also pointed out that Nagas would never progress if the people kept on agitating and disrupting any new innovation.
On the NP&NG Rules, Zeliang informed he had told the union petroleum minister that Central Rule would apply when oil and gas went out of Nagaland but not within Nagaland. “ The Centre has asked us to prepare legal framework in this regard and we are on the process,” said the chief minister.
He said it was the right time to implement the NP&NGR as state government has a “favorable and understanding” government at the centre.
The chief minister informed that 18% revenue sharing would apply to all the oil bearing districts since MOGPL has already quoted the same for Changpang and Tssori region.
Patton appeals: Home minister Y. Patton speaking on the occasion appealed to Kyong Student’s Union (KSU) not to resort to agitation or any sort of protest in connection with the oil exploration activity in Changpang and Tssori area and to allow smooth exploration for the benefit of the people. He termed the KSU agitation as “illogical” stating that there was no cause for agitation since enough consultation had been held.
While alleging that “someone” has misguided the KSU, Patton urged the people not to be perturbed by its agitation.
He said he would soon meet KSU representatives soon and resolved the issue amicably.
MOGPL assures: Metropolitan Oil & Gas Pvt. Ltd (MOGPL) has assured the state government and the people of Changpang and Tssori area that it would fulfill all the condition mentioned in the MoU signed between the village councils and the company.
“We assure to meet all the obligations in MoU and carry out exploration in compliance with NP&NG rules,” CMO media cell quoted an MOGPL representative. MOGPL also sought cooperation and support of the people and appealed the villagers to allow the company to start the work so as to witness the result.
Kyong Hoho: Kyong Hoho, Wokha president said that the launching of oil exploration in Changpang and Tssori marked the beginning of a new era for the people. He said though the company and people had already signed an agreement, MOGPL should implement the agreement in letter and spirit.
Meanwhile, the people Changpang and Tssori area and Lotha Lower Range has decided to support the state government and company in the exploration activity. Lotha Lower Range Organization has also appended its support to the resumption of oil exploration activity in Changpang and Tssori but asked the state government and the company to strictly adhere to the frame work of Article 371 (A).