Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, SEP 24 (NPN): Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation (WCYO) has demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the alleged detention of wildlife offence accused Vezhoto Hesuh and an alleged demand for Rs 1 lakh in connection with the case.
Addressing a press conference here Thursday, WCYO president Wekupe Therie called for the suspension of the officer alleged to have sought the payment and an independent inquiry to establish the facts.
The organisation also demanded the immediate suspension or attachment of the officer concerned pending inquiry and a time-bound judicial or magisterial inquiry into the alleged detention. It sought a written disclosure from the department of forest, environment and climate change specifying the alleged offence, relevant statutory provisions, case or complaint numbers and the legal basis for the action. WCYO further demanded an investigation into the alleged financial coercion, protection of Hesuh’s constitutional rights and sensitisation of wildlife and forest enforcement agencies on local realities and community practices.
Western Naga Youth Forum (WNYF) president Niesapa Soho questioned the manner of Hesuh’s alleged arrest, saying the reported detention over a photograph with an animal and the alleged Rs.1 lakh fine were “questionable and condemnable”. He said the incident was Hesuh’s first offence and that the youth organisation would continue to pursue the matter.
WNYF adviser Major (retd) Boktiba Jamir questioned the application of wildlife laws in Nagaland, referring to Article 371(A) and its constitutional protection of Naga customary practices. He raised concerns over whether strict application of wildlife laws could affect traditional practices involving items such as hornbill feathers, animal bones and teeth.
Another WNYF adviser, Idizeung, questioned whether adequate public awareness of wildlife laws had preceded enforcement action. He also questioned the procedure through which Hesuh was summoned, alleging that he was called by phone rather than through a formal process.
Idizeung called for uniform application of the law and said the department should clarify its position if the allegations against its officials could not be substantiated. Naga Youth Movement member Elithung Naga, who attended the press conference in solidarity, also questioned the alleged demand, particularly the claim that the amount was open to negotiation. He sought an explanation from the forest department on the circumstances surrounding Hesuh’s arrest and the alleged imposition of the fine.