The Western Naga Youth Front has called for an impartial probe into the Forest department-Vezhoto Hesuh incident and a review of laws governing land, forests and natural resources in Nagaland.
DIMAPUR — The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) has called for a fair and impartial examination of the recent incident involving the Forest department and Vezhoto Hesuh, while urging the Nagaland government to review the existing mechanisms governing forests, land and natural resources in the state.
In a press release, the WNYF expressed concern over the allegations surrounding a monetary demand and the manner in which the matter has unfolded.
It stated that any act of corruption, abuse of official authority, intimidation or harassment of citizens must be dealt with firmly and impartially.
The organisation called upon the concerned authorities to establish the facts, fix responsibility wherever wrongdoing is established and ensure that citizens are not subjected to harassment or exploitation for asserting their lawful rights.
The WNYF also urged the government to initiate a broader review of the implementation of laws, regulations and administrative procedures relating to land, forests and natural resources in Nagaland, with meaningful consultation involving local communities and traditional institutions.
The organisation said the incident should not be viewed merely as an isolated confrontation between individuals or institutions, but as an opportunity to examine how such laws and administrative mechanisms are implemented on the ground.
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It specifically called for a critical re-examination of the practical implementation and protection of the special constitutional safeguards guaranteed to Nagaland under Article 371A of the Constitution of India.
According to the WNYF, the spirit and intent of these constitutional protections must be respected not only in principle but also in their actual application.
At the same time, it acknowledged that constitutional safeguards should not be interpreted as a licence to disregard the rule of law.
The organisation maintained that administrative mechanisms should likewise not be applied in a manner that undermines customary practices, traditional rights and the legitimate interests of the Naga people protected under the Constitution.
The WNYF further stressed that government departments entrusted with the protection and management of natural resources must function with transparency, accountability and respect for the rights and dignity of citizens.
It appreciated the Chakhesang community for collectively raising its voice in defence of its rights and interests, stating that such citizen participation highlights the importance of an aware and responsible citizenry in strengthening democratic accountability.
The WNYF said it stands for justice, accountability, constitutional rights and the dignity of every citizen, and expressed the view that responsible collective action can contribute to strengthening democratic accountability in Nagaland.