Kohima, Oct 1: A Great Barbet seized from a youth in Nagaland’s Porba village earlier this month was released in the Porbami Reserved Forest, said the Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) on Tuesday, a day after locals protested the bird’s seizure and a case against the man.
The protest was held on Monday after CCYO alleged that the youth Vezhoto Hesuh was summoned by the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) of the Wildlife Division, Dimapur, on September 11 over photographs and videos uploaded on his social media account.
According to the youth organisation, the posts included a video of Hesuh offering a sweet to a monkey in Assam, a video showing a bird kept in a cage, and a photograph of him with a bird perched on his shoulder. It also alleged that Rs 1 lakh was demanded for Hesuh’s release and that a case was initiated after he refused to pay it.
The CCYO claimed that the Great Barbet had been reared by the youth for the past six to seven years and its seizure caused distress to the man and concern among villagers.
On Tuesday, the Great Barbet was handed over to the CCYO by Forest Department officials. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Pfutsero Sub-division, Mhalo Humtsoe, released it into the Porba Reserve Forest.
The CCYO reiterated its commitment to protecting customary and traditional rights under Article 371A of the Constitution while conserving wildlife, forests and biodiversity.
It appealed to villages, youth organisations and citizens under Centre Chakhesang to adhere to the community resolutions and protect the region’s natural resources.
CCYO president Dode Nakro told PTI that the organisation appreciated the return of the Great Barbet, but its other two demands — withdrawal of the case against Hesuh and an inquiry into the alleged demand for Rs 1 lakh — remained pending.
He said representatives of the organisation would meet the principal secretary of the Forest Department on Thursday to discuss the matter.(PTI)
