Guwahati, March 22 -- The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has vehemently opposed the Indian government's alleged attempts to mine resources in Nagaland, asserting the Naga people's exclusive rights over their land and minerals.

NSCN-IM chairman Q. Tuccu, speaking at the 46th Naga Republic Day celebration in Hebron, accused the Central government of coveting Nagaland's natural resources, including petroleum, coal, and various metals essential for industries and defense.

He said, "Under no circumstances should we allow our mineral wealth to be exploited by our aggressor when they refused to respect the political rights of the Naga people."

Tuccu specifically criticized the Centre's "new attempt" to initiate petroleum expl...