CCYO unsealed departmental offices in Phek and Pfutsero following an out-of-court agreement.
DIMAPUR — The Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) on Thursday formally withdrew its non-cooperation movement against the Forest Department and unsealed departmental offices in Phek and Pfutsero, bringing weeks of tension and agitation to a close following an agreement reached with the state government.
According to an update, an “unsealing ceremony” was held with Külaveyi, Chairman of the Centre Chakhesang GBs Union, pronouncing blessings. The symbolic act of cutting the wild ropes used to seal the office in Phek was performed by 102-year-old Sülüngoyi, the oldest man of Sakraba village.
The reopening followed a meeting held on October 14 at Hotel Japfü in Kohima between Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) Vedpal Singh and CCYO President V Dode Nakro. The two sides agreed to resolve the dispute amicably and outside court following the intervention of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
According to the joint declaration issued after the meeting, the dispute centred on three demands raised by the CCYO: withdrawal of the case against Vezhoto Hesuh, return of a Great Barbet seized from Porba village, and an independent and impartial inquiry into an allegation that INR 1 lakh had been demanded in connection with the case.
Read more: Nagaland: Forest department, CCYO reach out-of-court settlement agreement
The demand concerning the Great Barbet had already been resolved on September 30, when the bird was jointly released into the community forest of Porba village. Regarding the case against Hesuh, the department stated that an out-of-court settlement would require his cooperation and the involvement of the court.
On the alleged demand for INR 1 lakh, the joint declaration stated that police had initiated an inquiry and that its outcome was awaited.
The agitation escalated after the CCYO’s seven-day ultimatum to the state government expired without a satisfactory resolution. The organisation launched its non-cooperation movement on October 5 and intensified the protest on October 12 by sealing Forest department offices in Phek and Pfutsero using traditional ropes and wooden materials.
The CCYO had raised concerns over the application of wildlife protection laws in relation to Naga customary practices, traditional rights and the constitutional safeguards under Article 371A.
It was mentioned that the joint declaration acknowledged the intervention of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the efforts of Minister CL John, MLA and Advisor Kuzholuzo Nienu, and Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema in facilitating the settlement.