Imphal: A powerful Naga citizens’ group has vehemently opposed plans to explore oil and gas in the Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary in Manipur‘s Tamenglong district, a region known for its diverse wildlife.
Despite strong opposition, the Union Environment Ministry panel has given initial approval for Stage-1 clearance of the project.
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The sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, gibbons, hornbills, and pythons, and the Zeilad Lake, the largest in the area, is a habitat for these creatures.
The Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) has issued a strong condemnation of any efforts to establish the Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary and Zeilad Region for oil and gas exploration.
The council has warned individuals or groups against promoting the project, stating that such actions would be considered acts of treason.
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The RNCM emphasizes that the project violates the rights of tribal communities as enshrined in Article 371 (C) of the Indian Constitution, which provides special protections for indigenous tribal hill dwellers of Manipur.
The council calls upon the public and all stakeholders to unite in opposition to this project, which it views as a threat to their rights and territorial integrity.
The proposed oil exploration in the Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary has sparked significant concern among environmentalists and indigenous communities, raising questions about the potential impact on the region’s biodiversity and the rights of its inhabitants.