Kohima, Sept 28: Thousands of youths belonging to the Chakhesang community held a massive demonstration in Nagaland’s Phek district on Monday, demanding the withdrawal of a wildlife case and the return of a Great Barbet allegedly seized by forest authorities.
The rally, organised by the Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO), began at Rukizu Junction with the participants dressed in traditional attire. The rally proceeded to the Office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pfutsero, where a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was submitted.
The CCYO alleged that 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.
The CCYO claimed that neither the monkey nor the two birds were owned or under the custody of Hesuh and that the posts did not show any act of cruelty, killing, capture or deliberate harm.
It further alleged that Rs 1 lakh was demanded for Hesuh’s release and that a case was initiated after he refused to pay the amount.
The CCYO also protested the seizure of a Great Barbet from Porba village on September 14, saying the bird had been reared by a young boy for six to seven years.
The organisation said the seizure had caused distress to the child and concern among villagers, and urged authorities to take into account traditional practices and community sentiments while dealing with the matter.
The youth body also raised the issue of Article 371A of the Constitution, arguing that the constitutional safeguards applicable to Nagaland should be considered while enforcing Central legislation in areas covered by the provision.
The CCYO has given the state government and the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department seven days to withdraw the case against Hesuh, return the seized Great Barbet and order an independent inquiry into the alleged demand for Rs 1 lakh.
It warned that failure to take satisfactory action within the stipulated period would compel it to pursue further courses of action and protect what it described as the rights and interests of the community.
Accepting the memorandum, ADC Mhalo Humtsoe assured the CCYO that she would forward it to the Chief Minister’s Office at the earliest.(PTI)
