Itanagar, Dec 3 (NationPress) The Yung Aung faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Khaplang (NSCN-K-YA) has issued an extortion demand of Rs 20 lakhs to the state-owned oil giant Oil India Limited (OIL), as confirmed by officials on Tuesday.

The notice was signed by the self-proclaimed Major of the NSCN-K-YA, Tha Aung, and directed to OIL’s office located in Manabhum, situated in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

In the notice, the militant group demands the payment of Rs 20 lakhs by December 10 and has cautioned that OIL will be held responsible for any delays.

An OIL spokesperson, Prankush M Buzarbaruah, confirmed the receipt of the extortion notice, stating, "We have received an extortion notice from NSCN (K-YA). We are taking this matter very seriously."

The spokesperson further mentioned that security measures have been enhanced at the exploration site in Arunachal Pradesh in light of the militant group's threat.

“We have brought this matter to the attention of the Arunachal Pradesh government,” he added, while asserting that operations at the site are ongoing.

The OIL operates in the Manabhum reserve forest in eastern Arunachal, which encompasses the dense forested regions of both Changlang and Namsai districts.

The notice from NSCN-K-YA has instilled a sense of alarm among the officials and employees of this Maharatna company.

It is noteworthy that the NSCN-K-YA has not entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government.

The Centre has established ceasefire agreements with eight Naga factions, including the prominent Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), with periodic extensions of these agreements.

The significant Framework Agreement with the NSCN-IM was signed in 2015, followed by the Agreed Position with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups in 2017.

Over the years, more than 90 rounds of talks have been conducted between the government and various Naga groups regarding the long-standing unresolved Naga political conflict.

The NSCN-IM remains steadfast in its demands for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas, along with the integration of Naga-inhabited regions across four northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, extending into Myanmar.

The Centre has repeatedly rejected these demands.