Chakhesang Youth Front appeals for vigilance against illegal hunting and pig imports

DIMAPUR — The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has issued a strong appeal for collective vigilance and strict compliance with standing bans on illegal hunting and unauthorised pig imports across Phek district, citing the urgent threat of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Nagaland.

In the appeal, the CYF said that there has been a concerning rise in illegal hunting and the unauthorised import of pigs within Phek, in direct violation of the standing resolutions of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) and CYF.

It said that in light of the growing threat of ASF reported in the state — a highly transmissible and deadly disease affecting pig populations — it requests all units to intensify monitoring efforts, remain actively engaged in promoting biosecurity measures, and cooperate to contain any further risks.

It stated that should any unit encounter difficulties in enforcing actions against defaulters, or if individuals fail to comply with the prescribed measures, the unit may report the matter directly to the CYF office for necessary intervention.

It added that violations of the import ban and hunting will be subject to appropriate actions as per the resolutions.

Upholds CPO resolutions

Meanwhile, the CYF also resolved to uphold the standing resolutions of the CPO and noted that indiscriminate burning of jungle is strictly prohibited. Defaulters shall be penalised with a fine of INR 30,000, which may be increased depending on the extent of devastation.

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Collection and extraction of medicinal plants for commercial purposes is banned. Defaulters shall be penalised with a fine of INR 20,000, and the goods shall be confiscated.

Also, hunting of any form is strictly banned throughout the year. Activities such as capturing, coursing, snaring, trapping, or baiting of birds or wild animals are restricted.

Any person found carrying weapons, explosives, firearms, poison, snares, traps, or any apparatus capable of killing, injuring, decoying, or even anaesthetising birds or wild animals shall be penalised with a fine of INR 10,000 for individuals and a sum of INR 30,000 for groups of more than three persons. Such equipment, arms, or apparatus shall be seized. Any person found selling or buying hunted wild animals or birds shall be penalised with a fine of INR 15,000.

Citing that during the CPO general session held on January 23, 2024, at Chizami village, the house resolved to fully ban the use of airguns, the CYF said that anyone found with an airgun for any reason shall pay a fine, and their airgun shall be confiscated.

Use of batteries, generators, chemicals, etc. for fishing is strictly prohibited. Defaulters shall be penalised with a fine of INR 10,000, which may be increased depending on the extent of devastation caused. Such equipment or apparatus shall be seized.

The CYF also encouraged groundwater recharge, such as springs and other water sources, to address water scarcity issues. Borewell construction should be community-orientated rather than privately owned, and approval is required from the CPO.

It was mentioned that the Biodiversity Cell shall be headed by the following CYF officials: Nüveta Khusoh (I/c), vice president (7005549742); Tavikho Krome, joint secretary (7005233800); Lhouwe Lomi, social and cultural secretary (8974697077); Vekreku Getsa, assistant social and cultural secretary (8837264162); Khrolhiweu Tsühah, media secretary (9366728187); and Veo Vero, property secretary (9862458063).

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Import of vaccinated piglets weighing below 30 kg for rearing only shall be allowed to interested persons or parties. A health certificate from the concerned Veterinary Department must be produced to the authority. Import of pigs above the prescribed weight is strictly restricted.

It said that defaulters will be penalised with a fine of INR 30,000 irrespective of quantity. The pig must be evacuated from Chakhesang jurisdiction within 24 hours; failing which, they will be seized by the concerned authority. In addition, a sum of INR 15,000 shall be penalised to the vehicle owner for illegal transportation.

The Pig Import Ban and Promotional Cell shall be headed by the following CYF officials: Vetho Vadeo (i/c), vice president (8131932574); Kukhosa Rhakho, finance secretary (9366489844); Vehuta Puro, treasurer (8730880538); Wekulhi Mero, organising secretary (9366136571); Zhopokhoyi Chuzho, assistant organising secretary (7005805431); and Vedukho Shijo, assistant media secretary (6909786839).

The CYF requested the support of the public in successfully implementing the resolutions of the CPO. It may be noted that the confidentiality of the informer shall be maintained. As per the collection of fines, 50% of the amount collected shall be awarded to the informer.

The concerned affiliated village, town, and area youth presidents have been requested to properly disseminate this notification and to strictly enforce it in their respective jurisdictions.