Dimapur, November 14 (MExN): Highly reliable sources said that Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) have approached the Government of Nagaland with a new proposal, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Analytical opinions say the MoU could either be a set of points for new ventures or could be a modified version of the running MoU. This opinion is derived from the touchy landowners’ percentage issue and the one-upmanship going on in Champang over the oil explorations between various parties.
The actual contents of the proposed MoU could not be divulged as yet but it was informed that ONGC met with Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Lalthara a few days ago. Other knowledgeable sources also said the ACS had informed the Lotha Students’ Union of the ONGC approaching the Nagaland government with a “new MoU.”
This was confirmed later by president of the LSU K Nzanthung Yanthan. The ACS could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report. The LSU chief said that ACS Lalthara had informed the union of the ONGC approaching the state government with a MoU around Monday.
No further details could be had. ONGC and Canadian company Canaro resources Ltd. are partners in oil explorations in the Champang belt.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland government’s order for cancellation of all permits issued by the Champang Village Council to various interests has run into a wall: the NSCN-IM is said to be “pressurizing” the Wokha DC from implementing the order. Mention may be made here that the government had taken note of the Champang Village Council issuing ‘illegal and unauthorized’ exploration licenses and permits to various little known groups including one called the SRM limited and the All Lotha Mineral Resources Cooperative Society. The ACS office had also issued an order that these permits be cancelled. The NSCN-IM’s so-called “ministry of forest, environment and resources” is said to be pressurizing the Wokha DC against implementation. The underground outfit could not be reached.
The LSU also wonders on the credibility of SRM and ALMRCC in the context of oil explorations. The background of SRM is said to be investigated by the union but nothing that says of credibility. An LSU leader said that till date, the history and activities of SRM is exceedingly vague. They have no infrastructure, no drilling activities and the company (SRM) is suspicious, the union said. Terming both the SRM and ALMRCC as unrecognized and unauthorized to represent the aspirations of the people, an LSU leader said that none should take any step without the knowledge and consent of the Lotha.
In a related matter, the LSU held an awareness programme on crude oil extraction and related mineral resources in Wokha today. The event was attended by public and public representatives, including village councils from the said area. While no concrete resolutions or decisions were made, the programme highlighted to the public the credibility of exacting a honorable, beneficial and honorable resolution to the tenacious oil exploration issue.
.jpg)
