DIMAPUR, MAY 8 (MExN): The United Naga Tribes Association of Border Areas (UNTABA) has stated that the proposed consultative meet to deliberate on the matters pertaining to oil and gas exploration and production in the border area belt between the state of Assam and Nagaland which falls under 'Disputed Area Belts' is “a futile exercise as nothing productive step can be expected to come out in this meet.”
A press release from UNTABA Chairman, Hukavi Yeputhomi and General Secretary, Imsumongba Pongen said that as appraised on various occasions through print and electronic media, until and unless the boundary issue between the two states is settled once and for all, no exploration and drilling for petroleum resources can be undertaken. “Besides, the boundary issue is a subjudiced matter since the Civil Suit No.2 of 1988 filed by Government of Assam in the Supreme Court of India is still pending for more than 35 years now,” it added.
In the meantime, it noted that both the State Governments have agreed to resolve the issue outside the court. The UNTABA advised the Nagaland Government to persuade the Government of Assam to consider for withdrawal of the Civil Suit filed by it and pursue the issue based on the practical realities instead of going around the bush.
