Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation seeks high-level probe into Vezhoto Hesuh’s alleged detention and reported INR 1 lakh demand
-1790256739867.webp&w=1200&q=75)
DIMAPUR — The Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation (WCYO) has called for a high-level inquiry into the detention of Vezhoto Hesuh in connection with a wildlife-related case. It also sought disciplinary action against the officer concerned over the reported demand for INR 1 lakh.
The demands were raised during a press conference organised by WCYO in the presence of Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) and Naga Youth Movement (NYM) at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur on Thursday.
WNYF advisor Boktiba Jamir described Hesuh’s arrest as “unfortunate and regrettable” and questioned the manner in which wildlife laws were enforced in the case.
He called for a review of how wildlife laws operate alongside Nagaland’s special constitutional protections under Article 371A, particularly in relation to customary and religious practices.
Jamir pointed to the use of wildlife parts in traditional Naga attire and practices, saying the scope of these protections should be examined by the government, judiciary, legal fraternity and village-level customary institutions.
Also read: PYO condemns detention of youth by Nagaland Forest department
WNYF president Niesapa Soho also questioned the reported demand for INR 1 lakh. He said it was difficult to understand why such an amount would allegedly be sought over the act of taking and posing for a photograph.
NYM member Elithung Naga questioned whether the Forest department had followed proper procedures. If an act was illegal, he said, the matter should be dealt with through due legal process. He also expressed concern over the alleged mental and financial distress caused to Hesuh.
WATCH MORE:
WNYF advisor Idizeung Naga questioned whether villagers had received adequate awareness about wildlife laws. Referring to a Forest department signboard that reads, “Don’t shoot with guns; shoot with cameras,” he said the Hesuh case appeared to contradict the spirit of such awareness messaging.
Idizeung clarified that the organisations were not opposed to the enforcement of wildlife laws but insisted that due procedure must be followed. He questioned the reported demand for money through phone calls rather than formal notices or summons and said the law should apply equally to all.
WCYO president Wekupe Therie sought the officer’s suspension from field duties pending an impartial inquiry, saying the step would help ensure a transparent and fair investigation.
The organisation also demanded a time-bound judicial inquiry into the alleged detention and reported demand for INR 1 lakh.
Therie informed that the WCYO had filed an RTI application with the Forest department seeking information related to the matter, clarifying that the application was not directed against the officer personally.
Asked whether the press conference could interfere with court proceedings since the case is pending, Therie said the organisation was seeking justice through appropriate processes. He informed that Hesuh had obtained bail, but could not confirm the date of the next hearing.
On the demand for suspension, Therie said no specific deadline had been set but reiterated the organisation’s appeal for the officer to be removed from field duties until a transparent inquiry was completed.
JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL