Dimapur, August 9 (MExN): The Changpang Landowners’ Union (CLU) while welcoming the decision of the State Government to resume petroleum exploration and development of natural gas in Changpang Oil Field and all other oil bearing areas in the state, felt that the resumption of oil activities will be a boost to the state economy.
The Union in a press release appended by its president M. Yanathung Ngullie said that the Nagaland Government has accepted the fact that the oil spillage at Changpang is continuing unabated which may result into serious environmental hazards including human life. “But the State Government has not done anything to contain the spillage and to clean up the environment. This creates uneasiness and apprehension in the minds of the local people about the Government’s attitude towards the landowners interests,” the Union stated. Thus, the Government has to note that unless the spillage is contained and the environmental clean up is done thoroughly, the Union will not allow the resumption activities at Changpang, the Union clearly stated. The Union strongly feels that correcting the past mistakes done should precede the resumption of oil activities at Changpang.
The Union also expressed that while doing so, it should not ignore the views and aspirations of the landowners and demands that the modalities be made in consultation with the Changpang Landowners’ Union. The Union also acknowledged the fact that the people of Changpang forms a part of the larger people of Nagaland, and hence ignoring their rights will defeat the very essence of democracy. Moreover, efforts should not be made to separate ‘the man from his land’ keeping in view the customary rights of the people.
Earlier, on August 5 Parliamentary Secretary for Geology & Mining, Irrigation & Flood Control and Border Affairs Y. Patton has informed that in order to harness the resources for economic upliftment of the people, State Government has decided to resume the petroleum exploration and development of natural gas in Changpang Oil Field and all other oil bearing areas in the state as enshrined in the Constitution of India under Article 371A. To this effect, resolution was adopted in the assembly during recently concluded Assembly Session.
