DIMAPUR, Nov 20 NNN : The Zeliangrong Baudi of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (ZB-AMN) in its \u2018general assembly\u2019
\nheld at Beisumpuikam in Peren district of Nagaland on November 16, had resolved to ban all oil exploration activities
\nby any agency in the Zeliangrong areas of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, till the Zeliangrong customary practices
\nand usages have been recognised and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is executed between Zeliangrong
\nBaudi, respective state governments, ancestral land owners or village councils and between the corporate
\nundertaking oil and natural gas.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll such agreements or MoUs shall be subject to further resolutions of the Zeliangrong Baudi together with
\nlandowners to that effect and shall strictly confine to the customary practices and laws. All the lands of the
\nZeliangrongs are fully vested and owned and as per the customs , usage and inheritances and are not subject to any
\nstatutes.<\/p>\n
The Zeliangrong Baudi also extended its support and appreciation to the government of Nagaland and the cabinet
\nsub-committee for passing the Nagaland Oil and Natural Gas Regulation based on Article 371 (A).<\/p>\n
Organised by Manipur Pollution Control Board, a public hearing on oil exploration in Manipur
\nwith specific reference to seismic aspects to oil exploration and drilling will be held at Ankhasuo also known as
\nSibapurikhal in Churachandpur district, about 35km from Jiribam town on November 21. For this very purpose, Hill
\nAreas Committee (HAC), government of Manipur chairman and Tipaimukh constituency legislator Dr.Chaltonlien
\nAmo and Churachandpur deputy commissioner Jacintha Lazarus have already reached Jiribam on November 20.
\nThey will be escorted to the village tomorrow where a public hearing is slated to be held amidst tight security
\narrangement. Journalists from Silchar representing various national and local media will also attend the hearing.<\/p>\n
The Netherland-based Jubilant Oil and Gas Pvt Ltd. was offered exploration rights in two blocks of Manipur by the
\nUnion Ministry of Petroleum in 2009 in 3,957 sq km in the Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Imphal East districts.
\nThe Hmar Inpui (Hmar Supreme House) and the Village Authority Association of Tipaimukh Sub Division,
\nChurachandpur district, Manipur had on November 15 made a press release wherein they voiced strongly against oil
\nexploration in the Hmar areas. The total land area granted for oil exploration is 3850 sq.km. which is almost one sixth
\nof the total geographical area of Manipur, the two associations stated. The drilling site will be located at 12 Hmar
\nvillages in Churachanpur and Imphal East districts.<\/p>\n
Several protests have been organised against oil exploration moves in Manipur\u2019s Hmar areas, including the ongoing
\nenvironmental public hearings organized by the Manipur Pollution Control Board.<\/p>\n\n