NPF Rejects Claims That Oil Deal Threatens Naga Political Settlement

Kohima: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) pushed back against the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) this week. The NPF insists the Indo-Naga political issue belongs to all Nagas, not any single group or party. This follows threats from the NNPGs to block oil extraction along the Assam-Nagaland border.

India, Assam, and Nagaland recently signed a deal for oil and gas production. CM Neiphiu Rio called the agreement historic. However, the NNPGs slammed the move. They stated that any resource extraction in Naga areas is "illegal" and "against the agreed principles" until a formal political settlement is reached.

The NPF cautioned against using these sensitive topics for political leverage. They argue the fight for a solution requires unity and maturity. The party acknowledged concerns regarding resource ownership but pointed out that exploration issues predate the new memorandum of understanding. The NPF noted, "This has been a matter of concern even before such an agreement was thought of. So it is wrong to say that the issue of oil exploration came up only because of the recent MoU."

Disputes over territory and resources have dragged on for decades. The NPF maintains these deep-rooted problems exist regardless of current agreements. They want all parties to look at history and facts instead of turning complex regional issues into cheap political theater.