CYF and CCYO condemn ‘arbitrary detention’ of youth by Forest Department

DIMAPUR: The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) and The Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) have expressed deep shock and serious concern over the arbitrary detention of Vezhoto Hesuh, a resident of Porba Village under Phek district, by the Nagaland Forest Department.
CYF: The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) strongly condemned the department’s demand for a Rs. 1 lakh payment over a social media post that reportedly showed the youth displaying affection by feeding and caring for birds and animals without any intention to harm them.
In a press release issued by president CYF, Kevesa Khamo and vice president, Vetho Vadeo questioned the legal basis of the department’s action, the CYF asked whether caring for and feeding wildlife has now been classified as a crime.
The CYF pointed out that for the past 25 years, it has actively implemented the resolution of the apex Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), which strictly bans hunting in any form within its jurisdiction. The front highlighted that these community-led initiatives aim to protect and preserve wildlife, effectively strengthening government regulations and heavily assisting the Forest Department at the grassroots level.
In contrast to the community’s proactive efforts, the CYF criticized the department’s lack of presence, stating that it has never seen any forest officials or personnel conducting physical checks, frisking operations or awareness programmes anywhere within its jurisdiction. The youth front asserted that merely monitoring social media posts cannot be treated as an official check gate for enforcement.
While reiterating its firm stance to uphold the ban on hunting and stating it will not support anyone who violates wildlife protection laws, the CYF made it clear that the unnecessary harassment and mental trauma caused to its members will not be tolerated.
The front formally questioned why Vezhoto Hesuh was asked to pay a hefty fine of Rs. 1 lakh without a proper trial or any judgment pronounced by a competent legal authority, denying him a fair opportunity to prove his innocence.
The CYF has demanded that the department disclose the specific Act and Section(s) under which this action was taken.
Emphasizing the foundational legal principle that a person is considered innocent until proven guilty, the CYF stated that the actions of the forest officials constitute a direct violation of due process, amounting to a misuse of power and abuse of position.
The youth front has demanded the unconditional release of Vezhoto Hesuh, a thorough investigation into the incident, immediate disciplinary action against the erring officials and the swift delivery of fair justice.
CCYO: The Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) president, Dode Nakro and general secretary, Shevoto Vezuh in a statement described Hesuh as a responsible youth known for his respect for nature and wildlife and for his grassroots activism in conservation. The organisation maintained that his act of posting content on social media reflecting admiration for animals should not be construed as a criminal offence.
CCYO asserted that expressing concern or appreciation for wildlife is a lawful exercise of freedom of speech guaranteed by the Constitution, and does not amount to hunting, possession, abetment or violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It warned that such actions without clear evidence of wrongdoing could discourage youth participation in conservation and create fear among genuine nature advocates.
The organisation also called for a proper and impartial inquiry into allegations that Rs. 1,00,000 was demanded for Hesuh’s release, terming it a serious matter requiring investigation. It urged authorities to ensure that any action against citizens is based on clear evidence and carried out in a fair and transparent manner.
CCYO appealed to the Forest Department to work with youth organisations as partners in conservation awareness rather than criminalising expressions of love for wildlife. It recalled past joint efforts with the Department, including campaigns promoting the message “Shoot with a Camera and Not with a Gun.”
The organisation further supported the demand of the Porbami Youth Organisation for the immediate return of the Great Barbet taken from Porba Village on September 14. CCYO stressed that rearing the bird is a longstanding Naga tradition, integral to cultural identity and village life.
Highlighting constitutional protections, CCYO cautioned that if Forest and Wildlife laws are enforced in ways that override Naga customary practices and rights under Article 371(A), it may be compelled to assert those rights, including declaring such laws inapplicable in the Centre Chakhesang area.
The organisation urged the Government of Nagaland to seriously examine the matter to ensure that conservation laws do not infringe upon constitutionally protected traditions and rights.