Niuland, September 20 (MExN): The Western Sümi Area Oil & Natural Resources Committee (WSAONRC) has sought greater transparency in oil and natural gas exploration in Nagaland, including disclosure of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), clarity on revenue sharing and protection of constitutional rights under Article 371A.
In a representation submitted to the Chief Minister, the committee, formed under the aegis of the Western Sümi Hoho, said the State Government's initiative to pursue oil and gas exploration could help address long-standing socio-economic challenges, but called for safeguards to ensure that resource development benefits local communities.
The WSAONRC demanded that all MoUs signed by the State Government relating to oil and natural gas exploration or extraction be made public. It said disclosure was necessary to ensure transparency and equitable outcomes for stakeholders.
The committee also sought clarification on revenue-sharing arrangements in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), citing revenue generated by Assam from oil and gas operations in the area.
According to the committee, Assam received Rs 9,903.63 crore as its state share from eight drilling points in the DAB between 2017 and 2022. It asked the State Government to clarify the revenue-sharing mechanism formulated for Nagaland and whether the state has received its "rightful share."
The WSAONRC further proposed the establishment of an oil refinery and gas plant at Niuland and Ganesh Nagar, stating that local industrial infrastructure would generate employment and contribute to the economic development of the region.
On constitutional safeguards, the committee called upon the State Government to uphold the protections under Article 371A, particularly in relation to land and natural resources.
"Our natural resources represent the future and livelihood of our people," the committee stated, adding that economic development should not come at the expense of "transparency, local infrastructure, or our constitutional rights under Article 371A."
It urged the government to ensure that the people and land of Nagaland receive the full benefit of the state's natural resources.
The representation was signed by WSAONRC convenor Kughalü Aye and member secretary Kabo G Zhiomomi.
The committee said it remained committed to working with the State Government and community stakeholders to promote resource management based on "integrity, public benefit, and constitutional respect."
