CL John on recruitment row, elephant crisis, quota issue

Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, C.L. John, on Friday addressed issues ranging from alleged recruitment irregularities to human–elephant conflicts and the demands of the 5 Tribes Core Committee on Reservation and Reform Policy (CoRRP).
Speaking to media on the sidelines of the 79th Independence Day celebration at Chümoukedima, John, on the matter of 12 candidates from Mon district alleging irregularities during the July 10 village and forest guard physical test, said no official or concrete evidence had yet been received by the Departmental Recruitment Board (DRB), an autonomous body handling the recruitment. “Just saying something without evidence will not suffice. If concrete evidence is received, action will be taken and the concerned candidates will be disqualified,” he said.
On the escalating human–elephant conflict, which he termed “a bigger problem than the Naga political issue”, John said the department was ready to provide compensation to affected individuals as per forest guidelines, although payments were yet to be made. Both human and elephant casualties have been reported, he said, adding that an expert from Karnataka would be brought in to train locals on safety measures. Wokha district, one of the worst-affected areas, would be given priority in personnel deployment once recruitment was completed, he stated.
Responding to the Lotha Hoho’s demand to post half of the newly recruited forest guards in Wokha, the minister said that while half may not be possible, the majority would be stationed there given the severity of the conflict. On the proposal to establish a wildlife sanctuary in Wokha, John said the file was under process and would be placed before the Cabinet for approval.
On the CoRRP demands, John informed that the Cabinet had on August 6 decided to form a seven-member commission to address the issue. However, with the agitation and non-cooperation continuing, the Cabinet would meet again on August 18 to review the matter.