The Central Tribal Council has called for an immediate halt to oil drilling in the Disputed Area Belt until proper consultations and boundary demarcations are completed.
Kohima, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: The Central Tribal Council (CNTC) has urged Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio to immediately suspend all ongoing oil drilling activities in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) until the boundary is officially demarcated and all stakeholders are consulted. This appeal comes amidst growing concerns regarding the implications of oil exploration in a region marked by historical disputes over land ownership and resource rights.
In a representation submitted to the Chief Minister, the CNTC stated that no exploration work should continue in the DAB "until the issue is resolved amicably through mutual consultation," while welcoming the state government's broader decision to launch petroleum exploration in the region. This dual stance reflects a nuanced understanding of the potential economic benefits of oil exploration juxtaposed with the necessity of addressing the rights and concerns of local communities.
“The Central Tribal Council (CNTC) welcomes the Government's decision to initiate petroleum exploration in the State, recognizing its potential to contribute to economic growth, employment generation, infrastructure development, and the overall progress of the region,” the CNTC said, adding that the process must be "lawful, transparent, consultative, and environmentally responsible.” This statement underscores the complexity of resource management in a region where development must align with social justice and environmental stewardship.
The organization, led by President Hukiye Yepthomi and General Secretary Akum Pongen, outlined five key demands before the state government, which reflect both immediate concerns and long-term aspirations for sustainable development.
The first demand is for clear identification and official demarcation of the DAB, the area where oil exploration has been proposed. The CNTC emphasized that the absence of an officially demarcated area has created uncertainty and apprehension among the affected communities regarding the actual location and extent of the proposed exploration activities. This lack of clarity can lead to disputes among communities and hinder effective governance.
A clearly defined boundary is "indispensable to ensure transparency, prevent future disputes, safeguard the rights and interests of the affected landowners and villages, and facilitate informed decision-making by all stakeholders," the CNTC stated. The call for demarcation is not merely a bureaucratic request; it is a fundamental step in establishing trust and accountability in the resource management process.
Secondly, the CNTC called for a “comprehensive consultative meeting” involving affected landowners, village councils, tribal hohos, civil society organizations, public representatives, experts, and all other concerned stakeholders before any drilling proceeds. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that all voices are heard and that the rights of indigenous populations are respected.
This meeting should address the legal and policy framework governing exploration, ownership and customary rights over land and resources, environmental safeguards, rehabilitation and compensation, benefit-sharing arrangements, employment for local youth, dispute-resolution mechanisms, and long-term monitoring, regulatory oversight, and accountability. The CNTC believes that such a consultative process would ensure transparency, protect the rights and interests of all stakeholders, foster mutual trust and cooperation, and facilitate the formulation of a sustainable and mutually acceptable framework for oil exploration and development within the State.
“A participatory and transparent consultative process will promote public confidence, minimize future conflicts, and ensure that development proceeds with the informed consent and cooperation of all concerned,” the CNTC stated. This emphasis on participation reflects a growing recognition of the need for inclusive governance in resource-rich regions.
The third demand is for the establishment of at least one oil refinery within the region, arguing that “extraction of petroleum resources without corresponding downstream industrial infrastructure would deprive the State of substantial long-term economic benefits.” The establishment of a refinery would not only create jobs but also stimulate local economies by fostering ancillary industries.
A refinery would generate significant long-term socio-economic and industrial benefits by creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for the people across the petroleum and allied sectors. The CNTC asserted that the value addition from the state’s petroleum resources should “primarily benefit the people of the region.” This demand aligns with broader developmental goals that prioritize local empowerment and economic self-sufficiency.
The CNTC urged that a refinery be made “an integral component of the State's petroleum development policy.” This reflects an understanding that without local processing facilities, the benefits of resource extraction can be significantly diminished, often leading to a cycle of dependency on external markets.
The fourth demand is for the suspension of drilling activities by the Assam counterpart within the DAB pending compliance with legal, administrative, environmental, and consultative requirements. This reflects a call for adherence to regulatory frameworks that govern resource extraction and environmental protection.
No exploration should resume until the area is officially demarcated, statutory approvals and legal requirements are complied with, environmental assessments and safeguards are completed, stakeholder consultations are held, and a mutually agreed framework on exploration, environmental protection, equitable benefit-sharing, and the recognition and protection of customary land and natural resource rights is finalized by all parties. This comprehensive approach is essential to mitigate the risks associated with resource extraction in sensitive areas.
“Proceeding with exploration activities without fulfilling these prerequisites may give rise to avoidable disputes, public unrest, legal complications, and the erosion of public confidence in the decision-making process,” the CNTC warned. The implications of ignoring these calls could be profound, potentially leading to social unrest and further complicating the already delicate relationship between the government and local communities.
Lastly, the organization called for strict compliance with environmental laws and standards, including measures to prevent pollution and protect forests, water sources, agricultural land, and biodiversity. “Continuous environmental monitoring and timely restoration of any environmental damage should also be ensured to safeguard the interests of present and future generations,” it stated. This demand highlights the critical intersection between resource extraction and environmental sustainability, particularly in a region that may be vulnerable to ecological degradation.
The CNTC expressed that it was making this representation “in the larger interest of justice, transparency, sustainable development, environmental protection, and the welfare of the people,” and expressed hope that the government would “appreciate the concerns of the CNTC in their proper perspective and act in the best interest of the people.” This appeal encapsulates the broader struggle for equitable resource management and the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both development and the rights of local communities. As the situation continues to unfold, the response from the government and other stakeholders will be critical in determining the future of oil exploration in the Disputed Area Belt and its implications for the region's socio-economic landscape.
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