Wednesday, September 27 2006 15:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kohima: Close on the heels of NSCN (K)'s objection to oil exploration by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in Nagaland, the NSCN (IM) today (Sept 27,2006) said that no company would be allowed to operate without the consent of the Nagas.

In a statement here, Information and Publicity wing of NSCN (IM) said "Without prior authorisation and approval by appropriate authority no one would be allowed to exploit and use national wealth and properties belonging to the Nagas."

It questioned whether ONGC had sought 'authentic authorisation' before venturing into exploration activities and asserted that no company would be allowed to operate unless the Nagas were informed about the terms and conditions.

When the state government and ONGC were in the process of giving final shape to the agreements for recommencing operation by the company in Mon and Dimapur districts, NSCN (K) last week objected to the proposed crude exploration.

It demanded legal action by the Centre against NSCN (IM) whom it blamed for withdrawal of ONGC operations in the state in 1994 and destruction of ONGC properties.

ONGC, which had withdrawn its operation from Wokha in Nagaland following destruction of rigs and other properties in 1994, struck a fresh agreement last year with the state for recommencing its operations in hydrocarbon fields.

Official sources here said that the ONGC agreed to theterms and conditions set by state for giving greater benefit to locals living in and around the areas where the company would recommence its exploration and production activities and had been assured security.