Porbami Youth Organisation condemns the detention of a local youth by the Forest department over social media posts.
DIMAPUR — The Porbami Youth Organisation (PYO) has condemned the actions of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Nagaland, in detaining Vezhoto Hesuh, allegedly over photographs and videos posted on his personal Facebook page.
In a press release, the organisation expressed deep concern that a citizen was subjected to detention and questioning without the department properly ascertaining the facts and circumstances surrounding the social media posts.
The organisation stated that the posts in question consisted of a video in which Hesuh affectionately offered a sweet to a monkey while he was in Assam, another video showing him admiring a Great Barbet kept in a cage and traditionally reared by an individual at Porba village, and a photograph showing a Spotted Owlet perched on his shoulder.
"Merely posting such photographs or videos, without establishing the circumstances in which the animals or birds were acquired, possessed or kept, cannot by itself justify arbitrary or disproportionate action against a citizen. If any offence is alleged, the Department must clearly disclose the specific provision of law allegedly violated, the facts constituting such violation, and the legal basis for the action taken," the release stated.
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The organisation expressed serious concern over allegations that an amount of INR 1,00,000 was demanded for Hesuh's release, stating that such a demand by any official or individual is an extremely serious matter requiring an impartial inquiry.
Calling upon competent authorities to conduct an inquiry and make the findings public, PYO demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Hesuh without any monetary demand, as well as the immediate return of the Great Barbet seized from Porba village on September 14.
Explaining the cultural importance, PYO noted that the keeping and rearing of birds such as the Great Barbet has been associated with longstanding traditional and social practices in the community. It clarified that these birds are not traditionally reared for killing or consumption but have historically been valued for their presence, companionship, and distinctive call.
PYO stated that such community practices should not be dismissed without understanding their cultural and social context as safeguarded by Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India, which protects Naga customary laws, social practices, and ownership of land and resources. The organisation argued that authorities must carefully examine constitutional and legal implications rather than mechanically applying provisions without considering the specific circumstances of Nagaland.
Terming it troubling to see department officials allegedly indulge in arbitrary detention, harassment, intimidation, and unlawful monetary demands under the pretext of wildlife protection, PYO reiterated its demands for the immediate release of Hesuh and the return of the seized bird.