Nagaland’s Forest department returned a Great Barbet to Porba Village following a seven-day ultimatum by the Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation
KOHIMA— The Forest department on Wednesday returned a Great Barbet seized from Porba village, following a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) to the state government.
The bird was handed over to the CCYO at Porba Village Reserved Forest in the presence of officials from the administration and Forest department, representatives of Centre Chakhesang Public Organisation (CCPO), Centre Chakhesang GBs Union, village council, youth organisation and other public leaders.
The return came two days after the CCYO held a rally at Pfutsero and submitted a seven-day ultimatum to the chief minister, demanding, among other things, the return of the seized bird.
In a statement following the handover, CCYO president Dode Nakro thanked the Forest department for “giving due respect to the sentiments of the people and the customs and traditions of the Nagas” by returning the bird to the village.
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The CCYO also reaffirmed its commitment to the forest and wildlife conservation resolutions adopted by the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) and Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF).
It reiterated the prohibition on indiscriminate jungle burning and commercial extraction of medicinal plants, along with a total ban on hunting.
Capturing, coursing, snaring, trapping or baiting birds and wild animals was also restricted under the community resolutions.
The organisation further reiterated the ban on airguns adopted at the CPO General Session held in Chizami village on January 23, 2024, as well as the prohibition on destructive fishing methods involving batteries, generators and chemicals.
The CCYO said it remained committed to protecting the customary and traditional rights of the people under Article 371A of the Constitution while conserving wildlife and natural resources in accordance with traditional practices.
Following the handover, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Pfutsero, Mhalo Humtsoe, released the Great Barbet into the Porbami forest. She appreciated the resolution reached by the CCYO and urged all concerned to uphold it in both letter and spirit.
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