Sümi body demands transparency on oil exploration MoUs, revenue sharing in Nagaland

The Sümi community body in Nagaland has formally requested that the state government and oil companies provide full transparency on the memoranda of understanding (MoUs) governing recent oil exploration activities. The group says that without clear documentation, local stakeholders cannot assess the impact of the projects on their lands and livelihoods.

In its statement, the Sümi organization emphasized the need for a detailed breakdown of how revenue from any discovered hydrocarbons will be shared with the community. It also urged that the provisions of Article 371A, which guarantees special safeguards for tribal areas, be strictly adhered to in all contractual arrangements.

The demand comes as the state seeks to attract investment in its untapped oil reserves, a move that has generated both optimism for economic growth and concerns over environmental and cultural preservation. Officials have not yet responded publicly to the Sümi body’s call for greater openness.