Kohima, July 2: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) has reiterated its stand not to allow oil exploration in “Nagalim” till the longstanding Naga political issue is solved.

The NSCN (I-M)’s vision of Nagalim, an extended homeland for the Nagas, includes all contiguous areas inhabited by the community.

A release, issued by the outfit’s ministry of information and publicity, said: “The government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim will invite Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) or other oil companies in the interest of people of Nagalim only after a correct political situation”.

“Till such time comes, ONGC and Canoro should keep their hands off Nagalim. One nation’s economic interest should not be the basis to ride roughshod over the Nagas’ demands,” the release, received yesterday, said.

Canada-based Canoro Resources Ltd has received permission from Delhi to explore oil and ONGC to resume work in the six blocks held by the company in Nagaland.

The outfit said that Article 371(A) of the Constitution should not be interpreted to allow exploitation of the Nagas.

“We believe that the Canada-based company will usher in economic development. But it has come to Nagalim at a wrong time,” the outfit said. “Please come back when the time is right.”

The outfit also criticised Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio.

It alleged that he had scant respect for the NSCN (I-M) which “enjoys Naga people’s mandate to settle the Naga political issue”.