Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced on Friday that the exploration and exploitation of natural resources in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) will be subject to a 50/50 royalty-sharing arrangement between Nagaland and Assam.

During a press interaction after inaugurating the Sammogooting Stadium in Chümoukedima district, Rio confirmed that discussions between the Assam government and the Ministry of Home Affairs are moving forward to initiate crude oil exploration in the Dissoi Valley, which Nagaland calls Tsurang. The chief minister stated that the extracted royalties from the disputed area will be shared equally between the two states. In cases where territorial clarity is lacking, the royalties will be held in an escrow account until the issue is resolved.

Rio also pointed out that the region holds immense potential beyond crude oil, including valuable minerals like cobalt and nickel, which are critical for modern technology. Despite the vast wealth in these resources, he noted, the people of Nagaland remain largely unaware of their true value.

“We are rich, but we have decided to remain poor,” Rio remarked, encouraging the people of Nagaland to consider harnessing these resources for the state’s development.

In addition to the resource-sharing agreement, Rio highlighted the significance of the newly inaugurated Sammogooting Stadium, which was constructed at a cost of Rs 9.51 crore with a 1,000-seat capacity. He emphasized that similar sports facilities will be developed across the state to foster unity and community growth.

Rio’s statements underline the dual focus on resolving the territorial dispute and tapping into Nagaland’s natural resources for economic growth.