Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced on Friday that the exploration and extraction of natural resources in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) will result in a 50/50 royalty share between Nagaland and Assam.
This statement comes in light of Assam’s recent move to explore crude oil in the Dissoi Valley, which Nagaland refers to as Tsurang, a region that falls under the disputed zone.
Rio explained that both the Government of India, the Home Ministry, and the Assam government have been in communication, and it has been conveyed that the exploration and exploitation of crude oil should proceed.
He further clarified that for any resources extracted from the disputed areas, the royalties would be divided equally between the two states.
In cases where ownership remains unclear, the funds would be placed in an escrow account until the matter is resolved.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Sammogooting Stadium in Chümoukedima district, Rio acknowledged that the region in question remains disputed.
He emphasised that the decision to utilize the resources in Nagaland’s portion of the DAB rests with the state government, but he expressed the desire for a resolution to ensure fair management of resources.
“In these disputed areas, we must assert our position as rightful owners,” Rio stated, stressing that Nagaland must make its voice heard, as Assam currently has control over neutral forces in the region.
The chief minister revealed that the Nagaland government has already addressed the issue at the cabinet level and is now awaiting a court decision to finalise the ownership of the contested territories.
While the court had previously ruled in favor of Nagaland, Rio noted that a final judgment is still pending.
Beyond territorial concerns, Rio highlighted the vast untapped wealth within the DAB, including valuable natural resources like petroleum, natural gas, cobalt, and nickel.
These minerals, essential for modern technologies such as electronics, vehicles, and computing devices, are estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
“We are sitting on immense wealth, but unfortunately, the people of Nagaland remain unaware of our potential,” Rio said, urging the people to decide whether to continue in a state of poverty or take action to harness these resources.
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Earlier, at the inauguration of the Sammogooting Stadium, a Rs 9.51 crore project with a 1,000-seat capacity, the chief minister highlighted the stadium’s significance as a symbol of Nagaland’s passion for sports and its shared vision for progress.
He noted that the district, with its cosmopolitan nature, provides opportunities for both local and outside residents.
The government is committed to creating similar sporting facilities across the state to promote unity, community development, and the overall well-being of the Nagas.
