Kohima: The Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Nagaland goernment has demanded petroleum drilling in that disputed belt with Assam be stopped. The deliberations were held in a meeting at the residential office of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday
It deliberated on the Assam-Nagaland border dispute, the issue of taxation by Naga national groups and the Naga peace process, a copy of the PAC meeting’s resolutions said. PAC is concerned over the ongoing situation in the border areas with Assam. The PAC demanded that the drilling of oil in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) areas should be immediately stopped or that the Government should ensure that the revenue is shared between the states of Assam and Nagaland.
It also added that the revenue should not be given to Assam alone, but kept in a suspense account, and released only after the dispute is resolved amicably.
The PAC also urged that the Central Neutral Forces positioned in the DAB areas should be directly under the command and control of the Central Government and not under the Assam government.
On the issue of taxation, the PAC deliberated on the ongoing movement of civil society and NGOs against multiple taxations by various national groups. The PAC observed that the Government of India should formulate a sustenance scheme for the Naga national groups, as a ceasefire is in place and dialogue is going on.
It added that despite 15 years of ceasefire and dialogue, ‘there is still no sustenance scheme for the Naga national groups and the common people are being faced with the burden of multiple taxation.’
The PAC reiterated the stand of the Nagaland Government to pave the way, in the event of an honourable and acceptable solution to the Naga peace process.
The PAC further urged upon the Government of India to expedite the peace process and ‘make the offer of a political agreement to the people at the earliest.’
One extortionist caught:A cadre of the Khole-Kitovi faction of GPRN/NSCN outfit was arrested along with arms and ammunition while he was extorting money from shops in Kitsubozou area of Kohima district in Nagaland, police said today.
On receiving specific information about extortion by three armed men in the area, police swung into action and could carch one last evening. Two others escaped. Police recovered Rs 18000 along with two small arms and ammunition from him. Their car was also seized. (Agencies)
