Nagaland: YAPO seeks clarity over oil drilling activities in Disputed Area Belt
Guwahati: The Yamhon Area Public Organisation (YAPO) has raised concerns over ongoing oil-related activities at Lio-Wokha (Old), Hayiyan and adjoining areas within the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), seeking clarification on whether the work has the knowledge and approval of the Nagaland and Central governments.
YAPO president N. Thungdemo Tungoe said the organisation was concerned about the activities, particularly given the area’s status as a DAB. He said any oil exploration or extraction-related work should be undertaken in accordance with existing arrangements and with the knowledge and authorisation of the governments concerned.
The concerns come amid the installation of drilling infrastructure at the site.
YAPO has questioned whether the Assam government or the agency undertaking the work secured the necessary permissions and clearances from the relevant authorities before starting the activities.
Tungoe pointed out that a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on oil exploration and extraction in the area was signed between the governments of Nagaland, Assam and the Centre.
He said the involvement of all three governments made it important to determine whether the ongoing activities fall within the scope of the MoU and comply with its provisions.
Tungoe also questioned whether the Nagaland and Central governments were informed about the work and had given the necessary approval. “If such work is being carried out without the knowledge of the other two parties, it should be stopped immediately,” he said.
According to YAPO, the issue extends beyond oil exploration and development and involves the rights and interests of local communities, particularly because the activities are taking place within the DAB.
Tungoe said natural resource-related activities in such areas must take into account the existing tripartite understanding as well as the jurisdictional sensitivities involved.
YAPO urged the Nagaland and Central governments to take immediate cognizance of the activities and establish the nature and status of the ongoing work.
The organisation also sought details about the agency executing the project, the authority under which it is operating and whether the activities form part of the oil exploration and extraction arrangement covered by the tripartite MoU.
It further called for transparency regarding the permissions, clearances and procedures followed before the drilling infrastructure was installed.
YAPO said that if the activities are found to be outside the provisions of the tripartite MoU or undertaken without the required consultation and approvals, the competent authorities should take appropriate action, including stopping the work until the matter is clarified.