The Konyak Union has called on the Central and Nagaland governments to halt oil exploration activities along the Assam-Nagaland border until the long-pending inter-state boundary dispute is fully resolved. The organisation argued that any exploration or extraction of natural resources before a final settlement could undermine the rights of local communities and create fresh tensions in the region.
The demand follows the recent tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Centre, Assam and Nagaland to facilitate oil and gas exploration in disputed border areas. The agreement is intended to unlock the hydrocarbon potential of the region and boost economic development through joint exploration.
The Konyak Union maintained that questions relating to land ownership and territorial boundaries must be settled before any commercial activity begins. According to the organisation, the unresolved border issue remains sensitive, and proceeding with exploration without addressing it could adversely affect the interests of indigenous communities living along the disputed belt.
The Assam-Nagaland border dispute, which stretches across approximately 434 kilometres, has remained unresolved for decades despite several rounds of negotiations. Both states have periodically witnessed tensions over territorial claims, making the issue one of the longest-running inter-state boundary disputes in the country.
While several political leaders in Nagaland have welcomed the MoU as an opportunity for economic growth and regional cooperation, they have also stressed that constitutional safeguards under Article 371A and the rights of local communities must be protected before exploration proceeds. They have called for broad consultations with village councils, tribal bodies and other stakeholders before implementing the agreement.
The Konyak Union’s latest appeal reflects the broader debate over balancing economic development with the protection of traditional land rights in the Northeast. As discussions continue between the Centre and the two state governments, the future of oil exploration in the region is expected to depend on progress towards resolving the long-standing border dispute and securing the confidence of affected communities.
