New Delhi, June 12: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday described the newly signed tripartite agreement between the Centre, Assam and Nagaland as a historic step towards resolving long-standing issues linked to the Assam-Nagaland border dispute and unlocking the region’s vast hydrocarbon potential.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Sarma said the decades-old border dispute between Assam and Nagaland has remained a complex issue, with disputed areas divided into five sectors identified as Areas A, B, C, D and E.
The Chief Minister noted that portions of the disputed land are currently under the administrative control of both states, creating challenges in the utilisation of valuable natural resources located in the region. He said the administrative complexities had prevented the effective exploitation of hydrocarbon reserves for many years.
Highlighting the significance of the agreement, Sarma said both Assam and Nagaland have agreed to cooperate in facilitating the extraction of oil and gas resources and share the benefits arising from royalty and revenue generated through hydrocarbon production. He credited the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, particularly Union Home Minister Amit Shah, for bringing the two states together to reach the understanding.
Sarma said the agreement comes at a crucial time when India is seeking to reduce its dependence on imported hydrocarbons amid global energy uncertainties. He expressed confidence that the arrangement would be implemented in both letter and spirit and would contribute to the nation’s energy security while ensuring benefits reach the people living in the border areas.
The Assam Chief Minister also assured full cooperation from his government in resolving any future disagreements related to operational areas through dialogue and mutual understanding. He stressed that both states are committed to ensuring that development and prosperity reach local communities through the responsible utilisation of natural resources.
Referring to the broader Assam-Nagaland border dispute, which is currently before the Supreme Court, Sarma appealed for an amicable settlement either through judicial or negotiated means. He said a lasting resolution would enable the people of both states to prosper without conflict and create a more conducive environment for development.
Sarma thanked Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for working closely with Assam on several common issues and expressed hope that the agreement would further strengthen ties between the people of the two neighbouring states.
The tripartite MoU, signed in New Delhi, establishes a framework for facilitating petroleum exploration and production activities in identified areas along the Assam-Nagaland boundary. The agreement is expected to enhance investment in the upstream energy sector, support hydrocarbon exploration and contribute to India’s long-term energy security goals. The Centre has described the pact as a major example of cooperative federalism and a significant step towards unlocking the economic potential of the Northeast.
