UNC lends support to 'no oil exploration' call
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 28 2012: Endorsing the decision to oppose petroleum extraction as adopted during a day-long convention held on July 16 last at Manipur Press Club here , United Naga Council (UNC) has assured the support and solidarity to the Committee on Protection of Natural Resources 'in the noble mission' .

In a statement issued by its Publicity Wing on Saturday, UNC said that the 'surreptitious activities' of the Government of India and the Government of Manipur in licensing a multinational Company for oil exploration in Tamenglong, Churachandpur and Jiribam sub-division in Manipur without the free prior and informed consent of the people is highly objectionable.

UNC alleged that innocent villagers of Tamenglong district, who have no technical knowledge of the far reaching impacts of oil drilling on the environment and habitation and the hazards of the activity, are being duped into signing agreement for seismic surveys by Alpha Geo Company.

UNC pointed out that it has also come to light that a leave and licence agreement has been signed by the Jubilant Offshore Drilling Company on perpetual use of 15 acres of land under Nungkhao(Luangkao) village in Tamenglong district for drilling purpose for a consideration of Rs 12 lakhs only.

Moreover, no environmental impact assessment on the activity has been carried out when it is obvious that oil spills during testing and drilling, accidents and bursting of pipelines will lead to severe contamination of water bodies and rivers.

Also no assessment of the impact of influx of immigrants and increase in militarization that would arise out of oil exploration in the area.

The terms and conditions of the licensing to the Jubiliant Oil and Gas Private Limited nor the benefit that would accrue to the indigenous people from the oil exploration have not been made known to the public.

The manner in which the whole process had been put into place reflects the lack of respect of the people and their right to decide how to use, to control and manage their own resources.

There is total lack of concern of how their lives will be drastically impacted upon by the activity.

It is clearly driven by profit motive devoid of any human approach, UNC asserted, adding that 'given the sharp social divide obtaining in the state of Manipur on communal lines, the grim situation will be aggravated as the land and resource on which the people depend for survival are taken away and contaminated' .

UNC went on to assert that Hill Area Committee (HAC), which is constitutionally instituted under 371 C of the constitution, has also not been approached for concurrence and approval of the exploration activity.

Instead of according priority to settlement of issues that have risen, registered and recognized, sneaky attempts are being made to tap and take away our natural resources.

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