Kohima: The Government of India, Assam, and Nagaland have signed a tripartite memorandum to govern oil exploration along their disputed boundary. This deal covers six sectors known as the Disputed Area Belt. It sets up an interim framework while the Supreme Court settles a decades-old land feud.
The agreement demands a 50:50 split of all revenue generated from these zones. This includes royalties, taxes, and security deposits from both existing and future oil fields. Companies must now report all production data to both state governments and the Centre.
A new joint committee will oversee all lease applications. Petroleum permits require dual approval from the states after clearing federal reviews. The document expressly states that this pact does not change territorial claims. It notes: “For mineral oil operations carried out in any area situated in the 'area of interest for mineral oil operations', the Exploration & Production Companies shall be required to make deposit of amounts (fees, security deposit, dead rent, royalty, taxes) into two separate accounts held by the State Government of Assam and Nagaland respectively, in equal shares (50:50).”
Officials will conduct all audits and inspections together. Any friction between the states over these operations will go to an Empowered Committee of Secretaries. If that fails, an Empowered Group of Ministers will make the final call. The border dispute stays in court.
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