CCYO criticises PCCF Vedpal over remarks justifying the detention of youth in connection with rescued wild birds.
DIMAPUR — The Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) has objected to the statement made by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), Nagaland, Vedpal, in Mokokchung on October 6 during Wildlife Week, regarding the detention of Vezhoto Hesuh.
Claiming that Vedpal had said Hesuh was detained not for taking photographs but for allegedly removing birds from their natural habitat and rearing them, the CCYO termed the statement an attempt to justify what it described as a high-handed detention while disregarding the customary and traditional practices of the Naga people protected under Article 371A of the Constitution of India.
In a statement, the organisation said that the owl in question was not captured from the jungle but was rescued by a minor boy from Porba village, who found it wet and shivering near a footpath leading to fields on a rainy day. The boy cared for the bird and saved its life. According to the CCYO, the owl was never kept in a cage, was accustomed to human care, would fly into the jungle and return on its own, and eventually flew away to its natural habitat.
Regarding the Great Barbet, the organisation stated that the bird was found injured by a minor boy while returning from the field and was unable to fly.
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The boy cared for it for several years. The CCYO pointed out that the Great Barbet is traditionally regarded by the community as a natural clock and village companion, with its distinctive call serving as an indication of time. It maintained that caring for rescued or injured wildlife has been part of community customary practices.
The CCYO further stated that the Great Barbet taken from Porba was in healthy condition when seized by officials but was reportedly so weak that it could not fly properly when returned by the department. The organisation stated that villagers nursed the bird before it returned to the jungle and shared a video of the bird feeding on wild berries with the department.
Raising several questions, the CCYO asked why individuals rescuing injured birds are treated as offenders while animals are kept in confinement at the Nagaland Zoological Park. It questioned the basis for detaining Hesuh when he did not collect or remove the birds and alleged that his statement was obtained under pressure.
The organisation also asked whether the department would enforce wildlife laws equally against influential persons, VIPs, and politicians alleged to keep wild animals in private estates.
The organisation called on the PCCF and HoFF to show due regard for the customary practices and traditions of the Naga people and demanded a clarification from the department on the matter.