Naga Political Groups Oppose Energy Exploration Deal Pending Final Settlement

Kohima: A conglomerate of seven Naga political organizations is opposing a new tripartite agreement between the Centre, Assam, and Nagaland. The deal, which aims to facilitate energy exploration and extraction along the inter-state border, was signed recently, but the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) argues that resource exploitation should be off-limits until a final political settlement is reached.

The NNPG maintains that control over natural resources is central to the Agreed Position agreement signed with the Centre in 2017. The group asserted that any resource extraction in Naga areas prior to a formal settlement violates the peace process. The organization stated it would ensure no domestic or international company begins crude petroleum extraction on Naga soil until the political issue is resolved.

The NNPG rejected the proposed revenue-sharing model between Nagaland and Assam, stating the disputed region is legally part of the Naga homeland. The group described moves to extract oil before settling the long-pending political conflict as a "betrayal of Naga rights and interests."

The Naga peace process has involved multiple stakeholders, including parallel talks between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM). While the Centre declared negotiations concluded in 2019, a final agreement has stalled over specific demands for a separate Naga flag and constitution.