HERICOUN for prior public consent on oil exploration
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, March 18 2012: Terming it an irresponsible act of the India government and the state government, the Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) in a press statement today stated that both the Centre and state government should ask for prior public consent before starting the project on exploration of petroleum products in the state.

Citing past examples of acquiring public properties on the assurance of developmental works and benefits, HERICOUN recalled that vast tract of agricultural land have been lost by the people at the time of constructing Loktak Hydro Electric Project with the India government giving false promises of providing surplus electric supply.

Moreover, many lands have been acquired by the government for the expansion of airport and construction of Railway line upto Mandalay and Oil Depot.

But once again, the India government has come up with a plan to cheat the people of the state by signing an agreement for exploration of petroleum products in Tamenglong, Jiribam and CCpur with Jubilant Oil and Gas Pvt Ltd of Netherlands.

Expressing strong resentment over the matter, the statement appealed to stop all activities related to oil exploration being carried out by Alpha Geo Pvt Ltd of Hyderabad until the public concerned give their consent.

Demanding a white paper on the matter, HERICOUN further questioned whether the state government was aware of the MoU signed between the company and India government in July 2012 at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.

It also appealed to the people of the state not to take part in any activities related to the exploration of petroleum products in the without a proper public consent.

Showing support to the demand of the local village authorities in the areas, the statement further stated that HERICOUN would not remain silent if the government does not consider the demand of the people at the earliest.

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