Nagaland Energy Deal: Naga Groups Protest Over Natural Resource Ownership

The Centre-Assam-Nagaland energy deal has sparked controversy among Naga groups, with seven Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) opposing the agreement until key issues are resolved.

Naga Groups Protest Centre-Assam-Nagaland Energy Deal

The NNPG, a conglomerate of several groups negotiating with the Indian government on Naga political issues, has asserted that any attempt to explore natural resources in Naga areas before a formal political settlement is reached would be “illegal and against the agreed principles”.

Citing the 2017 agreement signed with the Centre, the group stated that ownership and control over natural resources are part of the ‘Agreed Position’, which must be respected.

Key Provisions of the 2017 Agreement

The agreement stipulates that the Nagaland Tatar Hoho (parliament house) shall be the apex body to legislate on matters related to land and its resources, including mines and minerals, fossil fuels, petroleum, and natural gas.

However, the group emphasized that exploration and mining of radioactive elements with national security relevance and implications shall be through Joint Venture Agreements between the Government of India and the Government of Nagaland.

Market Impact and Details

• The Centre-Assam-Nagaland energy deal aims to facilitate exploration and production activities across more than 1,000 square kilometres of land along the 434-km Assam-Nagaland boundary.
• The agreement targets exploration in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), a stretch of disputed territory along the inter-state boundary of Assam and Nagaland.
• The area is believed to hold substantial hydrocarbon and mineral reserves, with several companies, including Oil India Limited (OIL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and Metropolitan Oil and Gas Private Limited (MO&GPL), eyeing the region for exploration.

Key Takeaways

• The seven Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) have opposed the Centre-Assam-Nagaland energy deal until key issues are resolved.
• The 2017 agreement signed with the Centre stipulates that ownership and control over natural resources are part of the ‘Agreed Position’, which must be respected.
• The deal aims to facilitate exploration and production activities across more than 1,000 square kilometres of land along the 434-km Assam-Nagaland boundary.

FAQs

What are the key provisions of the 2017 agreement signed with the Centre?

The agreement stipulates that ownership and control over natural resources are part of the ‘Agreed Position’, which must be respected. The Nagaland Tatar Hoho (parliament house) shall be the apex body to legislate on matters related to land and its resources, including mines and minerals, fossil fuels, petroleum, and natural gas.

Why are the Naga groups opposing the Centre-Assam-Nagaland energy deal?

The Naga groups are opposing the deal because they believe that any attempt to explore natural resources in Naga areas before a formal political settlement is reached would be “illegal and against the agreed principles”.

What are the potential consequences of the deal?

The deal could lead to the exploration and production of hydrocarbon and mineral reserves in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), which is a stretch of disputed territory along the inter-state boundary of Assam and Nagaland.

Conclusion

The Centre-Assam-Nagaland energy deal has sparked controversy among Naga groups, with seven Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) opposing the agreement until key issues are resolved. The deal aims to facilitate exploration and production activities across more than 1,000 square kilometres of land along the 434-km Assam-Nagaland boundary. However, the Naga groups are concerned that the deal could lead to the exploitation of natural resources without a formal political settlement. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Centre-Assam-Nagaland energy deal will be implemented or whether the Naga groups will succeed in their opposition.