\nIn a representation to the state chief secretary, the hoho chairman Mhao Humtsoe and general secretary Mhondamo Ovung said contrary to custom and constitutional provision the contention of the state government claiming to be equal landowner with the people in the said regulation was illogical.
\nWhile pointing out that \u2018royalty\u2019 determined ownership of land and resources, the hoho said the state government has deliberately avoided it in its P&NG Rules and substituted it with \u2018revenue sharing\u2019. However, the hoho said revenue was primarily government\u2019s income\/receipt.
\nAlso, on government\u2019s affirmation that they had made these rules and regulation based on the Article 371A and respecting the ownership rights of the people, the hoho, however, said it was found to be deviating from it all along.
\nFor which, the hoho said the Lothas have been voicing their deep concern on the matter in various platforms but their appeals were not given due attention.
\nRather than listening to their suggestions, the hoho said the government was bent on executing the petroleum exploitation at Changpang and Tssori villages even enabling \u201ctainted\/controversial company\u201d Metropolitan Oil &Gas Private Limited (MOGPL) go ahead with its work.
\nReferring to Nagaland government Act passed in 1990 that recognized the Nagas\u2019 ownership of land, both over and below the land, the Hoho said in 1995 an amendment to the Act was proposed but the President of India was yet to give his ascent.
\nHoho said the present government instead of looking into the gambit of the 1990 Act decided to pass an Assembly resolution in 2010 and based on it came out with a P&NG Rules and regulation 2012.
\nIn the light of the above, the hoho demanded suspension of all activities related to oil activities before amending the P&NG rules and regulation 2012.
\nMeanwhile, the hoho said they have no other option but to go to the court for seeking justice for redressal of their legitimate demands to restore \u201cour dignity of rightful owners of land and resources.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"