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02/23/2008: "Civil society to blame for Dimapur unrest: S.I. Jamir Noel Manuel morungexpress"

Civil society to blame for Dimapur unrest: S.I. Jamir Noel Manuel morungexpress

Dimapur | February 22 (MExN): At 71, he is still vibrant as ever and raring to go for his sixth election. S. Imtisungit Jamir INC candidate for the Dimapur II A/C got close and personal in an exclusive interview with our senior reporter Noel Manuel at his private residence at Naharbari on Friday afternoon. Excerpts from the interview.

What is your agenda for this election?
My top priority is the educated, half educated and uneducated youth. Government employment is limited and we have to create opportunities in the private sector. However there has to be a congenial atmosphere to promote the private sector. I intend to change the mindset of our Naga youth and restore law and order in this commercial hub.

What are the areas of development lacking in Dimapur?
Dimapur is an unplanned area. People had settled long before the government could initiate any programme here. There are lack of civic amenities such as good roads, drainage, electricity, water supply, drinking water and sewerage systems.

As planning minister, in the then Congress government what was your greatest achievement?
The storm drainage phase I, amounting to Rs 24 crores was the greatest achievement. Unless the drainage system is good, you can do little to prevent the roads from deteriorating. There would also be a rise in water borne diseases. I regret to say that the second phase of the storm drainage amounting to Rs 74 crore was not pursued by the DAN government.

In the recent past, there has been a spate of extortions, bandhs, killings, kidnappings and other forms of unrest. Whom do you blame for that?
The civil society is to blame. They don’t or rather they have failed to raise their voice. The time has come for them to raise their voices.

You have served the people for three terms. How did you manage to keep yourself busy after the last elections?

I engaged myself in a lot of social and party activities.

How do you find your position in this election?
If a free and fair election is held, I have the majority. But as you know elections are never fair.

What is your opinion of the Church playing a role in the elections?
The Church is not doing enough against the malpractices adopted during the election. They should openly speak against the evil practices. Perhaps even undertake a crusade against social evils.

What were the reasons for your loss in the last assembly elections?
The AK-47 and the distribution of party tickets. Many people were affected by the distribution of party tickets and they poured out their grievances in the ballot.

How would you describe the future of our people?
Unless evil practices are checked within the next ten years, we are heading for a revolution. ‘Mafiaism’ will take over and this will bring instability to the government as well.

What is your message for the people?
I have served the people to the best of my capacity in the 15 years that I was elected. The last five years has been a period of retrospection and introspection. I have studied my failures and successes and resolved to serve the people to the best of my abilities, particularly the youth.

Politics is very unpredictable. How would you serve the people in case the verdict does not go in favour of you?
I have always served the society and will continue to do so. I would like to involve myself with various NGOs to enlighten our people against the deteriorating Naga character.
Peace Convention underway in Dmr morungexpress
Choir from the Dimapur Lotha Baptist Church presenting a song at the Naga Peace Convention being held at DDSC Stadium on Friday evening. The three day programme ends on Sunday, February 24.
Dimapur, February 22 (MExN): Peace, unity and reconciliation attained centre stage on the first day of the ‘Naga Peace Convention’ at the DDSC stadium this evening with Rev Phughoto Aye blurting out that unless there is peace and reconciliation Nagaland would become the ‘graveyard of the patriots’.
The NBCC’s Nagaland Development Outreach Director, Rev Phughoto Aye, who was the main speaker at this evening’s programme, said that ‘peace and unity’ is crying out in al the corners, in all the villages, churches, homes in the state and therefore challenged the gathering that to bring about peace and reconciliation, the people need to come out now and boldly work for it.
Giving a profile of the present situation in Nagaland, Aye said that Naga Nationalism will never die out from the hearts of the Naga people because, he maintained, God has a purpose to make a ‘Naga nation’. However, he expressed strong sadness that the Naga brothers are fighting among themselves and killing each other. He said that Naga nationalism, which has reached international levels, has also divided the people not only in terms of factions but also in terms of tribalism, clanism and groupism. He said that the Nagas are no more fighting with the Indians but simply fighting among themselves.
Lamenting that a killed cadre is compensated with the attribution of being a true patriot, Aye said that if things go on like this then, Nagaland would become the ‘Graveyard of the patriots”.
In this connection, Aye asked the people to work boldly and openly for peace and unity among the Nagas and make the Naga people one united people.
“The God of Israelites and the God of the Nagas are calling the Nagas to come out and bring unity and reconciliation of the Nagas,” said Aye. The three day Peace Convention which has been organised in accordance with the ‘divine revelation through the Naga Shisa Hoho Prayer Centre Pruzie Kohima’ is expected to be attended by the frontal Naga civil societies and organisations, political parties, intending candidates and Naga national workers. Around two hundred people attended this evening’s programme; however, the number is expected to be much higher at tomorrows programme.
Rio spells out ‘Political vision’ morungexpress
Dimapur, February 22 (MExN): Former Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today spelled out his political vision about the Naga political issue and said that an agreement should be reached in the ongoing political dialogue between the Government of India and the Naga underground organisations.
The former CM addressed some NPF representatives from various wards and colonies in Dimapur at his residence at Signal Basti prior to his departure to Tuensang for further campaign. He asserted that the 16-Point Agreement didn’t help in the formation of independent Nagaland; Rio said Nagas should be ready to sign an agreement with India on the ongoing political dialogue and take what the GoI can give.
However, he asked the people to demand more seats of MLAs and MPs, more development, youth employment schemes and others.
Rio then said that the focus can be shifted to the Nagas living in Myanmar Nagas. He said that a ceasefire is required with the Myanmarese government and negotiations should be carried out for the recognition of the Nagas in Myanmar like the Nagas in India. ‘Then we can socialize, carry out business and rise up,’ said Rio.
“We should fight for our own identity which is the essence of democracy but not through violence,” he said while adding, “we Nagas are fools because we end up killing each other.” Other NPF leaders like Imchalemba former MP, Atovi Sumi, ex-MLA and intending candidates for Dimapur I and III Atomi Zhimomi and Abu Metha and former Speaker, Z Lohe attended the meeting.
‘DAN most corrupt Govt ever’ morungexpress
CLP Leader I. Imkong (L), INC candidate from 55-Tobu A/C, Bongkhao Konyak (M) and former Lok Sabha MP, K. Asungba Sangtam (R) joins in a traditional dance.
MOKOKCHUNG, FEB 22 (MExN): Leader of the Congress Legislature Party, I. Imkong has castigated the DAN Government for what it claimed is its lackadaisical attitude towards the rural areas in the state ‘which are yet to see the light of the day in terms of development.’
The CLP Leader, who undertook a tour by a chopper today to various constituencies in Tuensang and Mon districts, expressed shock on touching down at the grassroots level only to discover that ‘there was zero development on the ground although the works mentioned in the works programme amounted to the tune of crores of rupees.’
“The DAN Government has been the most corrupt Government ever in the history of 44 years of Statehood,” Imkong claimed, stating that the DAN’s height of corruption was revealed at Muknyakshu where a total of Rs. 26 crores was shown against various projects and schemes in the works programme under the DUDA for the year 2004-05, the details of which were submitted by the local public leaders, while in reality, there was no implementation of the said works.
It was also revealed that the contractors were none other than Neibu Nagi of Kohima. The public leaders further revealed that the money was withdrawn without implementation of works and the same money was being used to try and purchase votes.
“No amount of money can buy the precious votes of Muknyakshu,” Imkong cautioned and called upon the people to revolt against the NPF-led DAN for ‘depriving the people of their right to development.’
Further lambasting the DAN for misleading the people by blaming the Congress for bringing President’s Rule in the State, Imkong retorted, “It was the NPF which brought President’s Rule because of their arrogant attitude by shamelessly clinging on to power even after they suffered a humiliating defeat on the Floor of the Assembly on December 13, 2007. The NPF has no agenda for the people and are crying foul for their own mistakes.”
Explaining the difference between national and regional political parties, Imkong said that regional parties tend to develop only their own regions, thereby missing out on equitable distribution. “Whereas, the Congress is a national political party and we are committed to ensure that the requirements of the people are met properly. We assure you that there will be equitable distribution of funds,” he stated.
Dismissing allegations of the NPF that there was a leadership crisis within the Congress, Imkong clarified, “It is a tradition of the Congress party wherein no one is projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate. The Chief Minister is elected by the Congress MLAs once the elections are over. There are no differences amongst the Congress leaders, rather, we are forging ahead unitedly and are confident of forming the next Government.”
The CLP Leader further cautioned that the sinister design of the NPF to rig the March 5 polls using the State Police in most constituencies would be prevented at all costs and warned that those officers of the State machinery found indulging in the same would be strictly dealt with once the Congress forms the next Government.
Imkong also highlighted the salient features of the Congress manifesto and explained to the people the various programmes and policies which the Congress would implement in letter and spirit once it assumes power.
The CLP Leader and his entourage comprising of former Lok Sabha MP, K. Asungba Sangtam, ex-MLA and INC candidate from 50-Longleng A/C, Shami Angh and NPMCC general secretary and PCC Member, Yashila were accorded a grand welcome in all the constituencies covered during the tour. There was an unprecedented turnout of thousands of public led by intending Bongkhao Konyak (INC candidate from 55-Tobu A/C) at Muknyakshu, Sedem Khaming (INC candidate from 56-Noklak A/C) at Noklak and Khonu, (INC candidate from 57-Thonoknyu A/C) at Panso. INC candidate from 48-Moka A/C, Nyamnei Konyak was also present at Muknyakshu.
Manipur Assembly demands deletion of integration clause morungexpress
Imphal | February 22 (Newmai News Network): Still perturbed concerned over the territorial integration of the state over the demand for a greater Nagalim and the promise by the Congress in the Election manifestos for Nagaland Assembly election 2008, the Manipur legislative assembly has on Friday unanimously resolved to demand the AICC to withdraw the reported statement of AICC secretary Sidarth Patil in Kohima on February 8 and withdraw the controversial ‘sub-para’ from the election manifesto of the Nagaland unit of the Indian National Congress.
The resolution comes after the private members Business moved by the veteran legislator and opposition MLAs O. Joy Singh, RK Anand, Dr Ng Bijoy Singh, Dr I Ibohalbi and supported by NCP MLA Radhabinod Koijam on the controversial matter.
Referring the reports of a national daily in its February 9 issue which quoted the AICC secretary Sidarth Patil of saying that the integration of contagious Naga areas would be endorsed by the AICC, Manipur MLA, O Joy said that the statement of the Congressman had violated the election model code of conduct.
He also said that, the para, “The Indian National Congress in Nagaland will continue to urge upon the government of India the need to implement the 16-point agreement of 1960 in letter and spirit,” is a sentence meant to break Manipur. O Joy also recalled that the Manipur assembly had adopted six resolutions on the floor of the House for the protection and safeguarding of the territorial integrity of Manipur which was also re-affirmed in the 8th Assembly session.
RK Anand who also supported the move said the decision of the AICC is ‘very unfortunate’. Supporting the move of the MPP MLAs and also an NCP MLA, also moved that the resolution of the house should be sent to the AICC and the government media.
However, Manipur Chief Minister, O.Ibobi Singh played it cool and responded that the government had understood that all the political parties of the state would not compromise when the question of Manipur integration comes.
Terming Patil as a ‘novice’, who might know little about the North East region, Ibobi, however, said that Patil might not be making the statement intentionally.
Assuring that the UPA will never nod to the proposal of breaking of Manipur territorial integrity, Ibobi clarified that the para content in the manifesto of the Nagaland unit of the INC is not exactly a document signed between the Nagaland Congress and the government of India representatives. The government of India has never been accepting the controversial points (clause 13) since the last 48 years
The chief minister also clarified that the extension of cease-fire ‘without territorial limit’ was the work of the erstwhile NDA government, who might be not doing it intentionally. He said however after considering the hurt sentiment of the people of Manipur, it had been withdrawn while further clarifying that the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) had never accepted the demands of the ‘Naga integration council’.
The chief minister also said that it is impossible to form state based on community line while terming it very unfortunate that it is used as a tool to woo voters in election.
Maintain sanctity of freedom: Jami morungexpress
Dimapur, February 22 (MExN): While appealing to all underground workers to stay clear of the coming State Assembly Elections and stand firm on the original principle of sovereignty of Nagaland, AZ Jami, Convenor of Council of Kilonsers, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) nevertheless urged them, big or small, having two-three opinions on Naga sovereignty and directly involving in the Indian imposed elections to immediately stand down. This is to maintain the sanctity of the “freedom movement” at all levels of activities. In this regard, Jami appealed to all genuine “freedom fighters” to stand firm on the original principle of sovereignty of Nagaland and to stay away from direct involvement in the Indian election. He pointed out that the Naga undergrounds will never accept and agree to the Indian elections in any Naga area under the Constitution of India or under the Election Commission of India.
Jami also expressed his lamentation that the independence movement of smaller nations and peoples, which were of very recent origin, has achieved their respective independence ahead of the Nagas. “The leaders of the Naga national workers should feel ashamed and fully dedicate their lives for the genuine cause of the Nagas”, Jami stated.
Jami also stated that the maxim ‘united we stand, divided we fall’ was a universal truth and that no one can refute it. Jami therefore advised that leaders should not be so selfish and should not be power mongers and that everyone should have sacrificial mind and therefore appealed to the Naga leaders to settle differences across the table and put up a united voice for the rightful cause of the Nagas.
Meanwhile in a separate press note, the MIP National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) has called for maintaining peace to help pave way for unity and reconciliation. It has also cautioned against the electioneering activities going on and asked its cadres not to parade in uniforms with arms in the cities, towns and populated areas, especially at a time when the peaceful atmosphere is being disturbed by the elections.
NSCN-IM on medical leave escapades morungexpress
Dimapur, February 22 (MExN): The National Socialist Council of Nagalim takes note of what it stated is the ‘changing color and allegiance’ of one of its former kilonsers, V Tuccu after “completion of his medical treatment.”
An MIP stated that the organization is surprised by an “undignified and misleading” statement issued by the said former kilonser. “In what can be termed as undignified and misleading, the statement issued by former Kilonser V Tuccu has surprised the NSCN. All along he has maintained his stand and makes it cleared to the GPRN in general and to his Sumi colleagues in particular that he is very much with the NSCN under the Collective Leadership of Isak Chishi Swu, Th. Muivah and Khodao Yanthan” the MIP stated.
The MIP stated that V Tuccu applied for medical leave in the month of November 2007 which was granted and again extended on January 3, 2008 as duly sanctioned by the “Ato Kilonser.” He was also given Rs. 50,000 as applied by him for medical expenses. “All this goes to show his political allegiance to NSCN. But changing color after the completion of his medical treatment is totally undignified and it only reflect his confused political commitment” the NSCN-IM stated.
Further, the Sumi underground workers had a meeting on January 18, 2008 at Hebron Camp and adopted “the political stance” that they are fully behind the Collective Leadership and supports a unification based on “correct principle.” This stand was no different from the proclamation made on January 2007 by chairman Isak Chishi Swu, the MIP stated. “V. Tuccu is no child not to understand the stand taken by his Sumi Colleagues of the NSCN. But changing allegiance and issuing confusing statement is unbecoming of his stature and misleading in nature. NSCN is constrained to issue this statement lest the public get confused and misled by such unfounded statement of V. Tuccu” it added. A copy of the “leave application” sanctioned by Ato Kilonser was also enclosed.
NPF releases party manifesto Nagarealm.com




KOHIMA, FEB22 [NPN] : The NPF on Thursday released its party manifesto from Chedema Village under 10th Northern Angami - I A/C, which is the home constituency of NPF president and candidate Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu.


The NPF manifesto, which was blessed and prayed upon, was released by Rev. Deo Vihienuo, state chaplain at the Chedema football ground. The four-page NPF party manifesto overwhelmed with socio-political concerns of the state promises to strive for unity and integrity of all contiguous Naga inhabited areas and to remain vigilant to tackle the illegal immigration so that the demographic composition of Nagaland was not altered.

Some important agendas of the party included to work and assist in any possible manner on any approach for a peaceful solution of the Indo-Naga political issue, keeping alive at the same time the fire of relentless endeavor to stand against any force to further divide the Nagas. It stated that the party will also continue to play a mediatory role for any peace talk with the Centre and to pave the way for an alternative arrangement in case of an honorable and acceptable settlement of the Naga political issue was found.

The NPF will also pursue the movement for the recognition of Eastern Nagaland People's Organization for their legitimate rights including the recognition of Nagas in Myanmar with defined territories. It further stated that the party will strive for creation of a Nagaland Legislative Council to accommodate elders and imminent persons in Naga society representing different areas of human society for their advice in the process of governance and also make further attempts to increase the number of seats in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and to both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

On Social front, the party said that it will make continued efforts to protect and preserve the ethnic, traditional and cultural identity of Nagas by strengthening the traditional village institutions and heritages by amending the relevant acts. The party will also work towards an equitable society irrespective of their community, caste, religion, profession or status of individual standing, provide social security including food security, uplifment and empowerment of women, setting up of District level Women Commissions supported by appropriate official functionaries, care for mother and child, special programs for senior citizens and disabled and empowerment of youth with a vision of building future leadership in different areas of social living.

Special programs on Agriculture and allied sectors including Veterinary and Animal Husbandry will be formulated with special emphasis on higher productivity and marketing facilities. Protection and preservation of Natural Environment, Wild Life, Fauna and Flora will be strictly implemented. Transport and Communication sectors will continue to receive priority attention with special provisions to reach all unreached areas, Special packages for the less developed areas particularly for Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphere districts will be prepared and implemented and Power being the principle requirement for any industrialization and modem necessities of life, shall receive topmost priority.

Nagaland having rich natural scenic beauty and nature's gifts coupled with rich cultural and traditional festivals and other attractions, Tourism Industry has high potentials for which the Party in government will extend assistance to such ventures.
Assam separatists demand Rs.20 mn from power company--- IANS
By Syed Zarir Hussain, Guwahati, Feb 22: A ragtag tribal separatist group that has unleashed terror in parts of Assam has slapped a Rs.20 million extortion demand on a power company, creating panic among its staff. "Black Widow rebels have made a demand of Rs.20 million from the Kopili Power Project in southern Assam's North Cachar Hills district and said the first instalment must be paid by Feb 28," a state power and industry department official said on condition of anonymity.

The Black Widows, formed in 2003, is a breakaway faction of the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) that is fighting for a homeland for the Dimasa tribes people who dominate the district of North Cachar Hills and some of its adjoining areas.

Led by rebel chieftain Jewel Garlossa, Black Widows was formed in opposition to the DHD's Jan 1, 2003 ceasefire with New Delhi.

"NEEPCO authorities have not lodged any formal complaint with the police regarding receiving any extortion demand. But it is true there are militant threats," Assam Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi told IANS. The 275 MW Kopili power project, run by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), is located in the Black Widows stronghold of Umrangshu in the district. It is in a heavily wooded and remote area.

On Thursday, Black Widow cadres attacked a camp of its rival DHD near Maibong, apparently with rocket launchers. On Wednesday, Black Widow militants killed four workers of a cement company near Umrangshu and wounded three others in an ambush.

A few days before that on Feb 12, Black Widow rebels ambushed a truck belonging to the power project, killing four NEEPCO workers and injuring two others. NEEPCO officials said the rebels had snapped the 33 KVA line and a number of telephone lines to the Umrangshu plant of the Kopili Hydropower Project before the attack, disrupting power generation.

The attack had led to panic among the nearly 300 families of NEEPCO employees in Umrangshu town. On Jan 14, Black Widow militants had opened indiscriminate fire at the powerhouse gate at Umrangshu killing five people, including a minor and two security personnel. The power plant was shut for more than a week following the attacks, leading to a severe power crisis in Assam.

The group's writ runs large in the North Cachar Hills district. According to Assam police sources, the outfit is also trying to extend its sphere of influence to the northeastern parts of the Cachar district. Black Widow cadres have constantly clashed with their rival DHD cadres and several deaths have been reported in such clashes.
Beyond Ballots Assam makes money while Nagaland votes SAMIR K. PURKAYASTHA
From eggs to liquor, Assam is chipping in with all the ingredients needed for sumptuous elections in dry Nagaland.
As one drives through National Highway 39 towards Kohima, the imposing 20X40 feet hoardings of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Nagaland Congress leader I. Imkong, holding out promises of a prosperous and vibrant Nagaland, at Padam Pukhuri under Dimapur III Assembly constituency draws immediate attention.
A minute scan of the canvas reveals an obscure print line at the bottom that says it all: Printed at Graphix, Guwahati.
The myriad banners, festoons, posters and hoardings put up across the state to entice voters have come from Assam. “Apart from the election materials supplied by our party head office at New Delhi, we also got a lot of material printed in Guwahati,” said Among Imkong, a close aide of the Congress leader Imkong.
Most of the vehicles in which Congress leaders are darting from one constituency to another, too, have been hired from Assam. “We have hired around 80 to 100 vehicles from various parts of Assam for the party,” Imkong added.
The Congress, obviously, is not the only party that is contributing to Assam’s economy.
Candidates cutting across party lines are doing their last minute “election shopping” in Assam.
Last week, an Independent candidate from Wokha district bought a second-hand Gypsy from a retired Assam government official based in Golaghat for Rs 80,000.
“Party candidates — mostly those from Mon, Mokokchung and Wokha districts bordering Assam — are individually getting their election material as well as vehicles from Golaghat and Jorhat,” assistant press secretary of the Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF) Shilu Mar said. The party has also hired some vehicles from Manipur.
“There is no denying the fact that Assam has derived economic benefit from the approaching elections in Nagaland. Even today, several of our labourers are in Nagaland putting up hoardings,” said manager of the Graphix, Kuber Thapa.
A businessman at Bokajan in Karbi Anglong said the shopping list of candidates from Nagaland is not confined to printing material and vehicles.
Candidates from the neighbouring state are also placing orders for a large quantity of meat and eggs from poultry farmers and meat shops in and around Bokajan.
Assam is also the sole supplier of another very “essential item” without which no election in Nagaland is complete — liquor. Nagaland being a dry state, the candidates are bringing all the requisite quota of liquor for distribution among party workers as an inducement for their hard work from the bordering areas of Assam.
“Why do you need to know it from me? It is an open secret,” Among quipped cunningly when asked where the candidates are getting their stock of liquor from.
No wonder, Assam’s businessmen are in such high spirits.
Five KRA militants shot dead by rival outfit The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 22: Five militants believed to belong to the Kuki Revolutionary Army, including its PRO, were killed by suspected militants of the Kuki Liberation Army, KLA at a spot on the side of the road leading to Thangal Surung from Ekou Bazar under Saikul police station of Senapati district on Friday, a report said. Reports said that the five were shot dead after they were abducted by the rival group today at around 1.30 pm. A Mahindra brand jeep which was hijacked by the slain militants was also burnt down by the suspected KLA cadres at the spot.
Police retrieved the dead bodies from the spot this afternoon, the report added.

Among the slain men was 76 year old Hanpau Chongloi of Saikhul bazar who is said to be the PRO of the militant group.
The other four slain men were identified as Pouginlal Hangsing, 14, son of Dempu Hangsing, Lamgoumang Louvum, 14, son of Hengkhapou Louvum, Jangmilal Hangsing, 14, son of Letsat Hangsing and Seigoulen Khongsai, 15, son of Seilam Hangsing. All hailed from Tingpibung village, the report said.

According to local reports, the five were caught by around 30 combat dressed well armed militants suspected to be that of KLA from Ekou Bazar on their way back from Sapermaina this afternoon at around 1.30 pm and shot dead there. Locals of Ekou bazar who witnessed the incident today said that the combat dressed armed men intercepted the five suspected KRA militants coming in the jeep.

The armed militants detained them at Ekou Bazar before the villagers. The also beat their captives up brutally in full public view. Later, they were shot dead at an open place along the road leading to Thangal Surung from Ekou Bazar, the villagers said. The villagers also said that the five had hijacked the jeep bearing registration no. MN01K-7762 from Thangalphai village today morning at around 10 am. The vehicle belongs to one Thangjang Misao of the same village. The slain militants were returning from Sapermaina at around 1.30 pm.
Essar to explore Burma's onshore gas field Mungpi Mizzima News
Indian Oil Company, Essar, will start drilling the first test well in May at the onshore Block L gas field in Burma's western State of Arakan, the company's spokesperson said. Essar Global Ltd., which has interest in energy, steel and telecommunications, will begin drilling a test well for exploration of natural gas in Block L under a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with Burma.
Essar's spokesperson said, the company signed the PSC for both Black L and A 2, and work has commenced. While Essar is the operator for both the blocks with a 100 percent Participating Interest (PI), the production is shared with the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), the spokesperson added. Essar is one of the three Indian companies engaged in oil and gas exploration in Burma. The other two are Indian government-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL), both of which has stakes in Block A-1 and A-3 of offshore gas fields in Arakan state.
The consortium led by Daewoo International Corporation of South Korea includes the ONGC and GAIL along with South Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS). Burma, which is listed among the United Nations' Least Developed Countries (LDC) due to its military ruler's economic mismanagement, has an abundance of natural gas reserves, particularly in offshore areas.
Burma's gas fields including three offshore and 19 onshore gas fields is estimated to have 89.722 trillion cubic-feet (TCF) of recoverable reserve. Reportedly, at least 13 foreign oil companies mainly from Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Indonesia, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Russia, are engaged in oil and gas projects in Burma.