Meet demands halt to oil exploration
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 16 2012:
Raising strong objection to the ongoing oil exploration work being undertaken in Manipur by the Jubilant Oil and Gas Private Limited with due permission of the Government of India, a convention held today at Manipur Press Club has resolved that the oil exploration work should be immediately put to halt.
The convention held on the theme 'Petroleum Exploration in Manipur' adopted a number of resolutions in the form of demand.
The main resolutions/ demands are revocation of all contracts awarded to Jubilant Oil and Gas Private Limited by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on July 19, 2010 for the two oils blocks in Manipur.
Putting a halt to all petroleum exploratory survey works of Alpha Geo Company in Manipur, disclosure of all detailed information, specially the DPR, the terms and conditions of all contracts and MoU signed between the Government of India, Government of Manipur and Jubilant Oil and Gas Private Limited.
No petroleum exploration and drilling should be undertaken without the free, prior and informed consent of all indigenous peoples of Manipur and the Government of India should adhere to the provisions of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
A holistic impact assessment, repeal of AFSPA and putting an end to militarization in the name of development were other demands chalked out at the convention.
Today's convention was jointly organised by the JAC on Protection of Hydrocarbon and Resources, All Zeliangrong Students' Union, Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur, Naga Women Union, North East Dialogue Forum, Life Watch, Zomi Human Rights Foundation, Sinlung Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Organisation, Action Committee Against Tipaimukh project, Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, Tamenglong Village Authority, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and the Human Rights Initiative.
The convention was addressed by a number of eminent personalities and resource persons.