PRESS RELEASE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OMINIOUS IN CONDUCT OF MAPPING BY OIL AND

NATURAL GAS COMMISSION FOR EXPLORATION OF PETROLEUM IN THE HILL AREAS OF

MANIPUR

The 5th July, 2012

The Zomi Human Rights Foundation, while taking its strong exception is gravely concern over the ominous in conduct of mapping by Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) for exploration of petroleum in Churachandpur District. Recognizing the global importance of oil and its implicit geo‐political and economic implications, the Foundation while landing the discovery of natural gas as 'enlightening', however reiterates its indignation over the unholy alliance, covertly made between the ONGC and the government with respect to Indigenous land. There may indeed be a kennel of truth that such exploration would bring the much desired socio‐economic development to the people. However, the hard fact is that it was purportedly done without the free, prior and informs consent which other wise is but a carte blanche violation of the rights of indigenous peoples concerned. The Foundation stands Committed and will continue to advocate, lobby and pursue that the rights of the IPs toward their traditional land, territories, waters, resources including sub‐surface resources etc particularly the right to be consulted on the basis of free, prior and informed consent, are, maintained and protected and made mandatory by those at the helm of power.

The Foundation would also like to categorically state that, however the proverbial public memory might be short. Such conduct by ONGC in collusion with the government has come on the heels of serious opposition against oil exploration in Tamenglong District and elsewhere. That, on the guise of development, the concerned authorities with unfettered access to indigenous tribal lands etc should scale up their exploration work would only prove that the same have on compunction in hurting the interest and infringing the rights of the Indigenous tribal peoples. The Foundation with resolute determination thus calls for compliance of free, prior and informed consent of the Indigenous tribal peoples for any exploration or exploitation of resources pertaining to their ancestral lands or domain. 

Further, it caution Indigenous Tribal peoples representative not to be swayed by such pious uncover nor be fleeced by unscrupulous endanger the present and generation of Indigenous tribal peoples.

Issued by:

Information and Publicity Department

Zomi Human Rights Foundation, GHQ

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