Crude oil exploration and mining at Champang oil field under Wokha district may see the light again. The State Government and the Champang Land Owners Union (CLOU) are in the process of signing a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) that is honourable, acceptable and beneficial to both. The extraction and exploration of crude oil from Champang had been closed down in 1994 in the face of wide protests from various corners.

 In an effort to come out with the MoU between the State Government and the CLOU for re-starting extraction of crude oil, Parliamentary Secretary Y. Patton held extensive discussion with the CLOU, Lotha Hoho and senior officials of the Geology and Mining department at his official residence at Kohima today.

                        The discussions mainly focused on signing of the MoU between the two so that extraction of oil may start at the earliest.

            Patton said that land owners of Champang area should first arrive at mutual understanding among themselves before signing the MoU saying that the State Government is ready for it. He made it very clear to the land owners that government is all out to restart the extraction of oil even “on its own cause”. He therefore appealed to the land owners to put forward their demand within the acceptable limits.

            Participating in the discussions, Lotha Hoho Chairman, Nyambemo Ngullie said that it has no objection against the State Government for going ahead with extraction of crude oil but reminded its “pre-conditions” for instillation of oil field at Baghty within 10 to 15 years, rehabilitation packages to the displaced people/villagers, annual land rent to the owners instead of land compensation and implementation of pollution control measures as per international standards. K.L. Ngullie, Legal Advisor to Lotha Hoho said that top priority should be given to people of Champang area who are to be affected as a result of exploration and mining of oil.

            Dr. Liban, Advisor to the CLOU while explaining the stand of the land owners requested the State Government to give them another two or three months for the MoU. He said that the draft MoU prepared by the State Government is under examination. He however said that the CLOU has no objection against exploration and mining provided the MoU is honourable and beneficial to them.

            Minister for Agriculture Dr. Chumben Murry, Parliamentary Secretary, Prison, Home Guards, Fire & Emergency Services N. Kithan, Commissioner Nagaland, H.K. Khulu also stressed on the need to restart the crude oil exploration and mining at the earliest, saying that neighbouring state Assam is reaping the fruits by exploiting resources as it is on the border between the two states. Director Geology and Mining, H.K. Chishi and the Additional Director, Geology and Mining S.K. Kenye in their speeches at the meeting said that much acclaimed companies are showing keen interest to take up the exploration and mining.