Zeliangrong Youth Front refutes Karam Shyam's statement
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 09 2017:
The Ze-liangrong Youth Front refuted the statement made by Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Karam Shyam's that there was no point in resisting the Government's initiative to explore oil and tap hydrocarbon reserves in Manipur .
Referring to a news report that was published in local dailies a few days ago, the ZYF released a statement refuting the CAFPD minister, while saying that the State Government is fully aware about the Zeliangrong people being the owners of land where a large amount of natural resources is believed to be present .
However, both the State and Central Governments have never informed the people about the negative consequences of oil exploration and related activities, the ZYF charged.
It blamed that the minister had only went on to make irreponsible statements and create confusion among the public by simply stating that 'people are resisting oil exploration' unneces- sarily .
The ZYF further blamed that the State and Central Governments have been conducting oil exploration works in collaboration with multinational companies while some of these companies have started indulging in strategies such as alluring some locals who claim to be 'functionaries of pseudo organisations' and sending 'agents' with promises to give incentives to the natives to allow oil exploration works .
In its statement, the ZYF also strongly warned that any land owners or individuals, who take money from the Government or companies will be strictly dealt with in accordance with the Zeliangrong customary practises.
The natives should not act without knowing the consequences of oil exploration or any related activities, the statement added.