CPNRM against oil exploration
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, April 30 2018: Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur (CPNRM) has expressed its "concern and condemned the recent statement" of Commerce Minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh "in the media that oil and gas exploration has started in various parts of Manipur, including Jiribam".

According to CPNRM, it considered the "ongoing efforts" of the Government to facilitate the oil and gas exploration and drilling by "Oil India Limited and Jubiliant Oil and Gas Private Limited as a clear disrespect and insensitivity to the long standing call and demands of the various indigenous communities of Manipur and the civil societies to stop all forms of oil exploration and drilling in Manipur".

CPNRM also expressed its "concern and condemnation" to the Oil India Limited and the Asian Oilfields "for carrying out 2D surveys forcibly for related oil exploration and drilling" in various parts of Manipur.

"Such forced surveys constitute disrespect to the community resolutions and petitions which urged the Government and oil companies to desist from oil exploration in Manipur," stated CPNRM.

According to the Committee, the oil exploration works are pursued by oil companies without recognizing indigenous peoples' rights over their land and resources and also their right to free, prior and informed consent before oil exploration.

It expressed that that oil exploration "will unleash multifaceted impacts", including environment, social, cultural, economic, health impacts etc.

According to CPNRM, multinational companies and the Government have been trying to "exploit natural resources without considering" the livelihood dependence of communities over their land and resources over generations.

"Oil exploration will unleash not only environment and social impact, but also multifaceted conflict among and within communities while undermining inter-generational survival," it added.

CPNRM reiterated its call to the Government and oil companies to stop all forms of oil exploration and drilling works in Manipur.

"The Oil India Limited, Asian Oilfield, Jubilant Oil & Gas Private Limited should immediately stop all surveys and blasting activities related to oil exploration and drilling in Manipur," it asked.

The Committee also stated that all production sharing contracts and Production Exploration Licenses signed by the Government of India and the Government of Manipur with oil companies like Jubilant Oil and Gas Private Limited and Oil India Limited etc should be revoked.

"The Government of India, the Government of Manipur and oil companies should recognize indigenous peoples' rights oyer their land and resources and to fully respect their right to self-determined development before pursuing any unsustainable projects in their land and territories," it stated.

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