Imphal: The Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM), a powerful Naga citizens’ group, has strongly opposed the proposed oil exploration at Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary in Manipur‘s Tamenglong district.
The project has sparked widespread concern and opposition within the Rongmei community.
In a statement, the Council said, “As a public representative body, RNCM emphasised its responsibility to oppose any documentation or effort that seeks to promote the controversial project.”
The Council condemned the involvement of certain entrepreneurs, social activists, and individuals who are conspiring with government agencies to promote oil exploration.
RNCM asserted that these vested interests were acting against the public good and infringing on the rights of the indigenous Rongmei Naga tribe.
“The project undermines the rights of the tribal community as enshrined in Article 371 (C) of the Indian Constitution, which provides special protections for the indigenous tribal hill dwellers of Manipur,” RNCM pointed out.
The Council also warned that any attempts to exploit the region’s natural wealth through constitutional amendments or policies are a direct threat to the community’s ancestral land and resources.
Calling for unity within the Rongmei community, RNCM urged individuals and groups to stand against the project, declaring that promoting it would be considered an act of ‘treason’ against the tribe and the nation.
The Council appealed to all parties involved to respect the sentiments of the Rongmei people and work together to protect the community’s future.
Reaffirming its commitment to preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the Rongmei Naga tribe, RNCM called on all stakeholders to reconsider their stance on the proposed project in Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Despite strong opposition, the Union Environment Ministry panel has given initial approval for Stage-1 clearance of the project.
ALSO READ: Permanent mediation centre to be set up at Manipur High Court: Chief Justice Siddharth Mridul
The sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, gibbons, hornbills, and pythons, and the Zeilad Lake, the largest in the area, is a habitat for these creatures.
