Chakhesang groups demand the release of Vezhoto Hesuh and return of a seized Great Barbet, while seeking clarity on wildlife enforcement and due process.
DIMAPUR — The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) and the Centre Chakhesang GBs Union (CCGBU) have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Vezhoto Hesuh of Porba village under Phek district, who was allegedly detained by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in connection with a social media post involving a Great Barbet.
The organisations also demanded the return of the Great Barbet, locally known as ‘Ehwu’, which was allegedly seized from Porba village on September 14.
In separate statements issued on the matter, the CYF and CCGBU questioned the basis for the alleged detention and demand for INR 1 lakh from Hesuh over a social media post that, according to the CYF, showed him feeding and caring for birds and animals without any intention to harm them.
The CYF questioned why Hesuh was asked to pay INR 1 lakh without a trial or judgment by a competent authority and sought clarification from the Forest department on the specific Act and sections under which the action was taken.
The youth body stated that it supports the ban on hunting and would not defend any individual or group found violating wildlife laws. It pointed out that the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) has maintained a ban on hunting in any form for the past 25 years, with the CYF implementing the resolution to protect and preserve wildlife within its jurisdiction.
At the same time, the CYF alleged that it had not seen Forest department officials conducting regular checking, frisking or awareness programmes within its jurisdiction.
It argued that monitoring social media posts alone could not constitute an official mechanism for enforcement.
The CYF further alleged that the detention and demand for payment amounted to misuse of power and abuse of position. It called for a thorough investigation into the matter, disciplinary action against any officials found to have erred and fair justice at the earliest.
The CCGBU, representing the customary heads of the Centre Chakhesang Area, meanwhile, maintained that rearing birds and animals, including the Great Barbet and Spotted Owlet, is a deep-rooted cultural practice among the Chakhesang community.
The union said traditional practices that are no longer considered appropriate have been reformed over time, citing the practice of hanging birds on bamboo poles during the Sökrünye festival as an example. However, it maintained that feeding and rearing birds with care and treating them as family members should not be equated with hunting or harming wildlife.
The CCGBU also raised concerns over what it described as conflicting messages from the Forest department.
It referred to the earlier conservation campaign featuring the slogan “Shoot with Camera, Not Gun”, displayed on signboards in villages to promote wildlife protection, and questioned the alleged detention of a youth for photographing animals and birds.
The union urged the department to clarify its position to avoid confusion among villagers.
On the seizure of the Great Barbet, the CCGBU stated that its removal from Porba village was viewed under customary practice as an insult and disregard to the community.
It demanded that the bird be returned alive and in good health, asserting that, according to local custom, a living animal forcibly taken from a village should be brought back safely.
The union also called for a public update on the bird’s health and condition, particularly in view of its reported transfer from the colder climate of Phek to Dimapur.
The CCGBU cautioned that if the bird was not returned, customary guardians could face pressure from youth organisations to act according to traditional norms and practices.
Both organisations maintained that wildlife protection should continue in accordance with applicable laws while also calling for respect for customary practices and due process in dealing with members of the community.