Source:
Imphal, June 16 2013: Zomi Human Righrs Foundation, Mumbai Cell has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh requesting him to stop the process of oil exploration and extraction in the hill areas of Manipur.
The memorandum said that failing to halt the ongoing drilling and exploration would not only fail in bringing economic development but also lead to further alienation and cultural genocide of tribal people.
It further alleged that the Government’s move is not to bring economic development of the tribals but to exploit and displace the inhabitants.
The memorandum pointed out that the most shocking action of the Government was that innocent villagers were deceived to sign ‘No Objection Letters’ without being told them the purpose, objectives and impacts of oil exploration.
The villagers were also misinformed that the exploration and drilling would lead to construction of roads, schools, hospitals and providing employment.
Saying that International Labour Organisation Convention on Indigenous and Tribal People, No 107 Article states various rights of indigenous population regarding their rights, the Foundation said that India being a signatory of the convention has failed to abide by the rules stated in the declaration.
The memorandum further said that in contradiction to the article of the International convention, the project initiative of oil exploration has been undertaken and leased out in 2010 without taking consent and consultation of the residents and land owners.
Assam contributes nearly 30 percent of the total oil production in India for more than 100 years by now but no development is witnessed till now, especially in the areas of extraction sites.
via NorthEast Calling - NorthEast India | India's No1 online News Magazine http://necalling.com/stop-oil-exploration/
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