CPNRM decries FIR against protestors
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 24 2012:
Condemning filling of FIR against those who objected to exploration of petroleum in Manipur, Committee on Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur (CPNRM) has accused the state and central government of violating the rights of indigenous peoples with "militaristic form" of action.
In a statement, Convenor of CPNRM, Pamei Tingenglung said, filing of FIR by Manipur police against the people who staged protest at the public hearing organized by Manipur Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for getting environmental clearance on oil exploration at Nungba on August 17 has proved that the Government of India (GOI), Government of Manipur (GOM) and the Jubilant Oil and Gas Pvt.
Ltd (JOPL) only insist on militaristic forms of development with clear violation of indigenous peoples' right.
"Communities were expressing their opinions freely against oil exploration in Manipur.
There is no question of rioting during the public hearing at Nungba," Pamei asserted.
Stating that GOI, GOM and JOPL signed the production sharing contracts and Petroleum exploration license in 2010 without taking the free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous people of Tamenglong, Churachandpur, Jiribam and rest of Manipur, Pamei contended that the villagers were duped to sign no objection letters (NOC) for seismic survey by Alphageo Company without informing the details and impact of seismic surveys as well as about the proposed oil exploration.