Parbung, Manipur (mizonews.net): The Hmar tribals said today that they will oppose oil exploration and extraction activities in and around Hmar Hills area in Manipur’s south west region.

This decision was taken during a public meeting held at Parbung Community Hall. “More than 200 Village Authority Chairmen & members, Village elders and leaders attended the meeting,” Hmar Students’ Association said in a press release.

A Public Hearing is to be conducted here tomorrow by the Manipur Pollution Control Board in this regard. Manipur government had given permission to Jubilant Oil & Private Limited for oil exploration & drilling months ago.

“After threadbare discussion and deliberation, the gathering unanimously decided to raise objection of the drilling and exploration activities undertaken by JOGPL as the MoU signed by the company with Manipur state government on November 15, 2010 was without the consent and approval of the indigenous villagers, the Autonomous District Council nor the Manipur Hill Areas Committee,” HSA added.

The Tipaimukh Area Village Authority Union has been entrusted to make the said objection in the proposed public meeting.

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