K Hukato Chishi urges Nagas to use Article 371(A) responsibly and calls for greater community participation in wildlife conservation.
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KOHIMA — Conservator of Forests (STC) K Hukato Chishi has urged Nagas to use Article 371(A) of the Constitution responsibly, cautioning that it should not be misused and stressing the need for greater awareness about its provisions.
Chishi said this while speaking at the celebration of Wildlife Week 2026, organised by the Kohima Forest Division at the Forest Office Complex, Kohima, on Thursday, on the theme “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife”.
Describing Article 371(A) as the “backbone” of the Naga people, Chishi advised Nagas to be careful in how the special provision is understood and utilised.
He said that since the Constitution contains provisions for amendment, people should not take the protection afforded by the Article for granted.
He also emphasised the need for Nagas to understand the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and develop a better understanding of wildlife conservation laws.
Chishi observed that many people today tend to rely on assumptions rather than facts, leading to arguments without a proper basis. He said this tendency was among the reasons why Naga society was not progressing as it should.
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Calling for greater involvement of local communities, he urged village elders and leaders to enlighten one another on the importance of conserving wildlife and protecting natural resources.
Speaking on “Understanding the Wildlife Law in Nagaland”, Savinuo Kikhi, Range Forest Officer, Chiephobozou, highlighted the importance of wildlife in maintaining a balance between nature and human life.
Kikhi noted that the population of hornbills in Nagaland has declined considerably and that the bird has become a rare sighting in many areas.
She stressed the need for people to understand the importance of wildlife and refrain from activities that harm it.
She also highlighted the significance of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which was adopted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on December 18, 1981.
Kikhi said the strong community structure in Nagaland could play a crucial role in protecting wildlife and called for cooperation from all sections of society.
She pointed out that village communities have an important role in managing forests, land and natural resources, while strong customary practices and traditional knowledge can contribute to the sustainable use of these resources.
On community cooperation in wildlife protection, she said participation at the village level could help prevent hunting, trapping and illegal collection of wildlife.
Villagers, she added, are well placed to observe changes in wildlife, forests and water resources. Cooperation between communities and Forest Department authorities could also help address human-wildlife interactions more effectively.
Kikhi further said village institutions, churches, youth and student organisations could play an important role in strengthening conservation awareness.
“Effective conservation requires cooperation from village councils, local organisations and government agencies,” she added.
A student of Sazolie College, Kohima, also delivered a short speech on the role of students in wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife.