Rebels threaten Canadian oil firm in northeast India

A separatist group in India’s restive northeast warned Canadian and Indian oil firms against carrying out exploration work in the region.

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-S.S. Khaplang faction), which is fighting for an independent tribal homeland for Nagas, threatened Canoro Resources Ltd and India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) with unspecified “action” if they start exploration work.
“We shall not allow any oil companies to extract crude or carry out other exploratory works in Nagaland without our permission,” rebel spokesman Kughalo Mulatonu told AFP by telephone from an undisclosed location in the state.

The two companies have signed a Joint Study Agreement (JSA) for exploration, development, and production activities in six blocks in Nagaland.

“It is in the interest of the Naga people that we are taking such a step. Any attempt to violate our diktat would be dealt with sternly,” the spokesman said.

AFP