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Residents of Manipur Village Oppose Oil Exploration, Reject NOCs Obtained through Bribe

Reported by

Atom Samarendra Singh

Legal Review by

Edited by

Updated by

Published on

May 21, 2017

May 20, 2022

Edited on

May 21, 2017

State

Manipur

Sector

Industry

People Affected by Conflict

Households Affected by Conflict

598

Land Area Affected (in Hectares)

ha

Starting Year

2017

Location of Conflict

Khaidem

Imphal West

Reason or Cause of Conflict

Petroleum and Gas

Land Conflict Summary

The Government of India granted licence to a Netherlands-based company called Jubiliant Oil and Gas Private Limited (JOGPL) to explore and drill two oil blocks in some districts in Manipur under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Khaidem Awang Leikai was one of the districts. Earlier, in 2003 and 2009, the government had undertaken a series of promotions globally in major cities like London and Perth to attract bids to oil companies. Subsequently, in 2010, the production sharing contract for both the oil blocks was signed by the government and the petroleum exploration licences were granted. JOGPL was set to drill oil from 30 oil wells identified by Alpha Geo Company, which was conducting seismic studies for JOGPL. To this end, Asian Oil Fields (AOF) Limited and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas signed a contract to test the presence of oil in the region.
In May 2017, AOF, under the petroleum ministry's Oil India Limited, initiated testing for the presence of oil in Khaidem village in Imphal West, using explosives. This was when the issue surfaced: the locals' had been in the dark all through the years and were just learning about the project. Immediately, they gathered near the survey site and banned all oil exploration work in the area. They demanded the company to stop the work and provide all details of the project, such as the Detailed Project Report, the Environmental Impact Assessment, the Social Impact Assessment, the Environment Management Plan and all agreements made among the Government of India, Government of Manipur and the companies.
On May 18, 2017, a community meet regarding the issue was held, and several local communities and organisations participated in it, condemning the oil exploration surveys and the lack of procedural go-aheads. Feeling disrespected, the locals rejected the No Objection Certificates obtained by bribing local leaders without following official procedures. The residents feared that the oil exploration and drilling would pollute their land and the environment. They have asserted that oil exploration cannot happen without their consent.
It is not clear how much land will be affected because the survey work for the presence of oil could not be completed. There has been no land acquisition so far.

Fact Sheet

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Complaint against procedural violations

Opposition against environmental degradation

Refusal to give up land for the project

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Region Classification

Rural

Type of Land

Both

Type of Common Land

Forest and Non-Forest

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Details of sources (names of accused, names and numbers of any lawyers, names of any police officers contacted)

Status of Project

Original Project Deadline

Whether the Project has been Delayed

Significance of Land to Land Owners/Users

Whether the project was stalled due to land conflict

Source/Reference

Total investment involved (in Crores):

Type of investment:

Year of Estimation

Page Number In Investment Document:

Has the Conflict Ended?

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

Legal Data

Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict

Legislations/Policies Involved

Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
Sections 4-7 [These sections mandate Social Impact Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment studies prior to land acquisition]
Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948
Section 4 [This section states that no mining lease shall be granted unless in compliance with the rules under this Act]
Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 1959
Rule 4 [This rule states that no person would be permitted to prospect or mine petroleum except after obtaining a petroleum exploration license]; Rule 5 [This rule specifies when the Central and state governments shall be responsible for grant of licence or lease]
New Exploration Licensing Policy, 1997
Block AA-ONN-2009/1 in Manipur was allotted under NELP VIII
  1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  3. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  5. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  6. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  7. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute

What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community?

What was the Decision of the Concerned Government Department?

Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:

Non-implementation/violation of LARR Act

Legal Status:

Out of Court

Status of Case In Court

Whether any adjudicatory body was approached

Name of the adjudicatory body

Name(s) of the Court(s)

Case Number

Main Reasoning/Decision of court

Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:

No items found.

Whether criminal law was used against protestors:

Reported Details of the Violation:

Date of Violation

Location of Violation

Additional Information

Nature of Protest

Blockades

Complaints/petitions/letters/memorandums to officials

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Government of Manipur, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Manipur State Level Convention on Oil Exploration team

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

Oil India Limited

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

Jubiliant Oil and Gas Private Limited, Asian Oil fields, Alpha Geo Company

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

No

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

Khaidem Golden Youth Club, Local residents

Information on the use of criminal law

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Resources

Resources Related to Conflict

  • News Articles Related to the Conflict:
  • Documents Related to the Conflict:
  • Links Related to the Conflict:

Images

Image Credit:  

Image Credit:  

Video

The Government of India granted licence to a Netherlands-based company called Jubiliant Oil and Gas Private Limited (JOGPL) to explore and drill two oil blocks in some districts in Manipur under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Khaidem Awang Leikai was one of the districts. Earlier, in 2003 and 2009, the government had undertaken a series of promotions globally in major cities like London and Perth to attract bids to oil companies. Subsequently, in 2010, the production sharing contract for both the oil blocks was signed by the government and the petroleum exploration licences were granted. JOGPL was set to drill oil from 30 oil wells identified by Alpha Geo Company, which was conducting seismic studies for JOGPL. To this end, Asian Oil Fields (AOF) Limited and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas signed a contract to test the presence of oil in the region.
In May 2017, AOF, under the petroleum ministry's Oil India Limited, initiated testing for the presence of oil in Khaidem village in Imphal West, using explosives. This was when the issue surfaced: the locals' had been in the dark all through the years and were just learning about the project. Immediately, they gathered near the survey site and banned all oil exploration work in the area. They demanded the company to stop the work and provide all details of the project, such as the Detailed Project Report, the Environmental Impact Assessment, the Social Impact Assessment, the Environment Management Plan and all agreements made among the Government of India, Government of Manipur and the companies.
On May 18, 2017, a community meet regarding the issue was held, and several local communities and organisations participated in it, condemning the oil exploration surveys and the lack of procedural go-aheads. Feeling disrespected, the locals rejected the No Objection Certificates obtained by bribing local leaders without following official procedures. The residents feared that the oil exploration and drilling would pollute their land and the environment. They have asserted that oil exploration cannot happen without their consent.
It is not clear how much land will be affected because the survey work for the presence of oil could not be completed. There has been no land acquisition so far.

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Complaint against procedural violations

Opposition against environmental degradation

Refusal to give up land for the project

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Region Classification

Rural

Type of Land

Both

Type of Common Land

Forest and Non-Forest

Total investment involved (in Crores):

Type of investment:

Year of Estimation

Page Number In Investment Document:

Has the Conflict Ended?

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict

Legislations/Policies Involved

Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
Sections 4-7 [These sections mandate Social Impact Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment studies prior to land acquisition]
Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948
Section 4 [This section states that no mining lease shall be granted unless in compliance with the rules under this Act]
Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 1959
Rule 4 [This rule states that no person would be permitted to prospect or mine petroleum except after obtaining a petroleum exploration license]; Rule 5 [This rule specifies when the Central and state governments shall be responsible for grant of licence or lease]
New Exploration Licensing Policy, 1997
Block AA-ONN-2009/1 in Manipur was allotted under NELP VIII
  1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  3. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  5. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  6. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  7. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute

What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community?

What was the Decision of the Concerned Government Department?

Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:

Non-implementation/violation of LARR Act

Legal Status:

Out of Court

Status of Case In Court

Whether any adjudicatory body was approached

Name of the adjudicatory body

Name(s) of the Court(s)

Case Number

Main Reasoning/Decision of court

Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:

No items found.

Whether criminal law was used against protestors:

Reported Details of the Violation:

Date of Violation

Location of Violation

Nature of Protest

Blockades

Complaints/petitions/letters/memorandums to officials

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Government of Manipur, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Manipur State Level Convention on Oil Exploration team

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

Oil India Limited

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

Jubiliant Oil and Gas Private Limited, Asian Oil fields, Alpha Geo Company

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

Khaidem Golden Youth Club, Local residents

Resources Related to Conflict

  • News Articles Related to the Conflict:
  • Documents Related to the Conflict:
  • Links Related to the Conflict:

Image Credit:  

Image Credit:  

Documented By

Text Link

Reviewed By

Text Link

Updated By

Text Link

Edited By

Text LinkLand Conflict Watch

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