Resolve to cooperate on oil extraction
Dimapur, May 20 (MExN): A resolution to cooperate with the Nagaland State government has been taken through a joint meeting of the Kyong Hoho, Landowners’ Unions of Changpang and Tssori and representatives from Lotha Lower Range Villages along with the State Forest and Border Affairs Minister, Yanthungo Patton, at the EAC Office in Changpang (Wokha), this morning.
After a deliberation for resumption of oil extraction activities, the house unanimously concluded on a one point resolution to “fully cooperate” with the State government in the process of exploration and extraction of crude oil and natural gas in Lotha areas without further delay.
Voicing “urgency” on the need to explore/ extract oil in the area, the landowners have agreed to the broad based modalities of the State government adopted by the Cabinet Sub-Committee for Petroleum and Natural Gas. They have also agreed to abide by the arrangement set up by the Nagaland government for any agency to undertake the exploration activities.
State Forest Minister, Y Patton, while interacting with the Unions, urged for full support to the State government for resumption of oil exploration. He also assured the Unions that the government would give maximum benefit to the people of the area to uplift the economy of the area as well as the State once exploration/extraction resumes.
The joint meeting was necessitated as the five-member Group of Ministers (GOM) is scheduled to meet tomorrow to finalise strategies pertaining to exploration of oil and natural gas in Nagaland. The GOM includes State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Planning Minister TR Zeliang, Forest Minister Y Patton, Medical Minister Imkong L Imchen and Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture and Election Pangteang.
Among others who accompanied the Forest minister were former minister Dr. Chumben Murry, former NLA Deputy Speaker Ralanthung, former Parliamentary Secretary Er. W Kithan, former JD (U) candidate Mhonjan Lotha and ex-independent candidate Achumbemo Lotha. Representatives from twenty villages comprising Baghty, Bhandari and Yanhon areas attended the joint meeting.
