The Coalition on Environment and Natural Resource (CENRs) today held a project launching program today at the ICI Council Hall, opposite Sielmat Christian Hospital, Churachandpur.
The program was attended by almost all stakeholders including community based civil societies, politicians, media, etc.
The coalition was constituted to address the accounted plight of the tribal people in whose land the extractive company, Jubilant Oil & Gas Pvt, Ltd (JOGPL) is operating after signing MoU with the Govt. Of Manipur which is styled Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) deeds on November 15, 2010.
During the program, David Buhril and John Pamei spoke at length about the government disregard for the rights of the indigenous people.
David said that their demand for right of the indigenous people is not just a design but one that had been implemented.
John Pamei from Tamenglong on the occasion said that the CM of Manipur, during a meeting with them was very evasive about the fact that the government has signed a deed with the said company whereby the state government will get a royalty of 12.5% of petroleum and 10% of gas from the proposed exploration.
A press release handout to the press by CENRS on the occasion said that the oil exploration had increasingly came in contact with the indigenous people endangering the survival prospect.
In the guise of development, the extractive company will exploit and plunder resource in land customarily owned by indigenous communities without their consent, the release said.
The press release further said that the company Jubilant Oil & Gas Pvt, Ltd and its PEL block comprises of 3857 square Km within Churachandpur and Tamenglong and Jiribam of Imphal East district.
It further alleged that the people were not consulted by the government on their own land and so the coalition is concerned about the intention of Jubilant Oil and the government which is grave injustice to the indigenous people and said that it will also militarize the affected areas as security will be stationed to enforce the project.
The coalition therefore urged the company to conduct social impact assessment and human rights impact assessment with the participation of the affected people before taking further action for which the Jubilant and State had to take responsibility, accountability and transparent framework as it falls under the framework of International Corporate Operational Standard, human rights and gender framework.
LAMKA, August 22
http://www.ifp.co.in/nws-16450-state-tribal-coalition-body-against-oil-exploration-in-manipur/