Imphal, July 16 NNN: Twelve NGOs on Monday jointly organized a state level convention on petroleum exploration during which leaders of the civil bodies expressed stiff opposition against the proposed oil exploration plan to be taken up in three districts of Manipur.
The convention was held in the backdrop of the completion of official process to license the oil drilling project to Jubilant Oil and gas Pvt. Ltd, a Netherlands based company.
At the convention, they discussed in detail about the possible environment effects to be caused by the oil exploration project in Churachandpur district, Tamenglong district and Jiribam subdivision in Imphal East.
Human Rights activist, Phulindro Konsam said every development should stand for everyone and not for a few people, adding that if the oil and gas company has to acquire vast land area for the exploration project, people residing in the areas are likely to lose their habitats.
He also said the government and concerned authorities have not yet made known anything about the oil exploration plan to the people. He alleged the project is totally illegal as it is against the wishes of the people.
Taking part at the discussion, Aram Pammei, president Naga Women’s Union said the act of the Indian government which is aiming for a few commercial gain from the project that has been tendered to the Netherlands based company is condemnable.
Every citizen of the state has now well understood about the clandestine project of the Indian government which has no any consideration of the people of the state as well as the possible bad outcome of the oil project.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/oil-exploration-opposed/
