Centre signs MoU with Assam & Nagaland for oil, gas exploration

The Centre on Thursday signed a historic tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Governments of Assam and Nagaland for the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the two northeastern states. The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and his Nagaland counterpart Neiphiu Rio. 
Speaking on the occasion, Amit Shah said that the signing of the MoU is a historic moment and that it will enhance the prospects for oil and natural gas exploration in the country. He said the MoU has successfully removed a major hurdle in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a prosperous and developed North East. Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kept the North East at the forefront of his focus ever since he assumed office in 2014. Describing the MoU as a strong example of cooperative federalism, he added that it will pave the way for the economic development of both northeastern states. Through 12 peace accords, the Modi Government has transformed the Northeast into a new hotspot for tourism, investment, and industrial activity, he said.
Shah said that the Chief Minister of Nagaland has informed that, apart from the six designated fields, the State Government has agreed for oil exploration across the entire state. He stated that the Government of Assam is also in agreement, as this is a win-win situation for all stakeholders. The Home Minister said that this tripartite agreement will pave the way for mineral exploration and mining across the entire North-East region. Highlighting the global energy crisis due to the West Asia conflict, Shah said that energy security is key to any country’s development, and this initiative will bolster India’s self-reliance in the future. He noted that more than 80% of the North-East region has been freed from the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). The Home Minister expressed confidence that, with the exception of one or two states, AFSPA would be completely withdrawn from the entire North-East by next year.