Minister of Forest, Environment & Climate Change (FE&CC) and Village Guards (VG), CL John, has called on the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) to actively participate in the forthcoming urban local bodies (ULB) elections.
Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of an event here on Friday, CL John underscored the crucial role of democratic participation, asserting that as a democratic nation, it is imperative to engage in electoral processes.
The minister noted that the Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU) has been consistently encouraging the ENPO to join the democratic exercise.
He said that non-participation could result in significant disadvantages, including the loss of access to essential funds and hindrances to local governance development.
Last week, the ENPO has reaffirmed its decision to abstain from the forthcoming polls to ULBs scheduled to be held on June 26,2024 for town and municipal councils after a coordination meeting with affiliated eight tribal bodies at tourist lodge, Dimapur.
On the subject of wildlife conservation, John addressed recent efforts by the Forest, Environment & Climate Change department.
He referred to a recent incident in Lazami village where an individual was detained for wildlife violations, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity and the persistent issue of illegal hunting.
Despite the enactment of the Nagaland Forest Conservation Act last year, which aims to reduce such activities, John expressed concern over ongoing regulatory breaches by some citizens.
He emphasized the stringent penalties under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which includes imprisonment ranging from three to seven years.
The minister reaffirmed the department’s dedication to enforcing these laws within the democratic framework, stressing the importance of legal compliance for the conservation of Nagaland’s natural heritage.