Key facts
- Seven Naga organizations oppose a tripartite MoU signed by the Centre, Assam, and Nagaland for energy exploration.
- The groups argue that ownership of natural resources is part of the 'Agreed Position' signed with the Centre in 2017.
- They deem any exploration before a formal political settlement illegal.
- The MoU facilitates exploration and production in over 1,000 sq km along the disputed Assam-Nagaland border.
- Naga organizations vowed to peacefully or otherwise prevent extraction from Naga soil until a settlement is signed.
Seven Naga organizations have voiced opposition to a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian central government, Assam, and Nagaland concerning energy exploration along their disputed inter-state border. The groups, under the umbrella of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG), assert that the ownership and control of natural resources are integral components of the 'Agreed Position' signed with the Centre in 2017.
The NNPG stated that any attempt to explore natural resources in Naga areas before a formal political settlement is officially signed is illegal and contrary to the agreed principles. They vowed to prevent any extraction of crude petroleum reserves from Naga soil, whether peacefully or otherwise, deeming it a betrayal.
The tripartite MoU, signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, aims to facilitate exploration and production activities across more than 1,000 square kilometers in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) along the 434-km Assam-Nagaland boundary. This region is known for substantial hydrocarbon and mineral reserves.
Previous attempts at oil exploration in Nagaland faced opposition; the NSCN-IM had previously asked ONGC to cease activities in 1994, leading to the suspension of exploration. Oil India Limited has expressed plans to resume exploration once the climate is conducive.