Kohima: The Western Sümi Area Oil & Natural Resources Committee (WSAONRC) is pressuring the Nagaland government for total transparency regarding oil and gas exploration. They want full access to all signed Memorandums of Understanding. The committee, operating under the Western Sümi Hoho, submitted their demands to the Chief Minister on September 20.
Big money is at stake. Assam pulled in Rs 9,903.63 crore from eight drilling points in the Disputed Area Belt between 2017 and 2022. The committee now wants to know exactly how Nagaland plans to handle its own revenue sharing. They specifically asked if the state has received its rightful share.
Infrastructure is a priority. The group proposed building an oil refinery and gas plant in both Niuland and Ganesh Nagar. These facilities would create jobs. Local development is the goal.
Legal protections matter. The committee reminded the government to uphold Article 371A regarding land and natural resource rights. They insist that development cannot override constitutional protections. "Our natural resources represent the future and livelihood of our people," the committee stated. They warned that progress must not sacrifice transparency or local rights.
Convenor Kughalü Aye and member secretary Kabo G Zhiomomi signed the formal representation. They remain open to working with officials, provided the government maintains integrity and public benefit.
Comments