CLOU supports Oct 19 resolution on Oil issue

Changpang Land Owners’ Union (CLOU) has extended “full support” to the initiative taken by the government of Nagaland in regard to Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Lotha Hoho and also the resolution adopted at the emergent consultations held on October 19.
In a press release, CLOU president Chumjamo Kikon and general secretary Jerry Odyuo stated that the union has resolved to assist and extend all cooperation in taking forward the oil exploration process for the betterment of the Lothas and the Nagas as a whole. 
It also clarified that the PIL was filed without the knowledge and consent of the landowners. The union maintained that Nagaland Petroleum & Natural Gas (P&NG) Rules & Regulation 2012 was framed by the government upholding the provision of the Article 371 A of the Indian Constitution and enacted after due consultation with the stakeholders.
Further in pursuance of Nagaland Petroleum & Natural Gas (P&NG) Rules & Regulation 2012, CLOU said it has executed numerous agreements” with the company for starting the oil extraction/exploration which is for a specific period. The union said being the landowners “having right title and interest over the land”, CLOU stand by its “inherent right to execute any agreement which does not requires the consent of the general public”.
CLOU also clarified that the agreements executed by the union and Changpang Village Council pertains to the exploration areas within Changpang village jurisdiction and not entire Wokha district as alleged in PIL.
Asserting that the landowners have every right to execute the agreement, CLOU said “creating hindrances by resorting to litigation without allowing the Oil Company to start with the work is nothing but an act which goes against the interest of the landowners and entire Naga public”.
The union claimed that on “several occasion” it has faced “embarrassment by the negative attitude of certain vested interested parties” which it said was “beyond expectation” when the previous Kyong Hoho now Lotha Hoho has given its consent by being witness to the first agreement.
CLOU then said that it denounces such negative activities and has invited the Lotha Hoho to strive together when achievement is at the doorstep.