Secheku Area Public Organisation condemns the arrest of a Porba villager Vezhoto Hesuh by the Forest Department over wildlife posts on Facebook.
DIMAPUR — The Secheku Area Public Organisation (SAPO) has expressed condemnation, resentment, and legal concern over the alleged arrest and detention of Vezhoto Hesuh of Porba village by the Forest department in connection with photographs and videos of birds and animals posted on his personal Facebook account.
In a press release, SAPO stated that it considers the action taken against him to be a matter of serious public concern, particularly where the alleged conduct relates to capturing, possessing, or displaying an image of wildlife, rather than an established act of hunting, killing, trafficking, or commercial exploitation.
The organisation expressed concern that photographs or videos showing a person feeding, caring for, or appreciating an animal are treated in the same manner as an act of hunting or an intentional wildlife offence without establishing the essential facts and circumstances of the case.
SAPO stated that Nagaland has a distinctive customary and social environment in which traditional practices and community life have historically existed alongside the natural environment. It maintained that authorities should take into account the long-standing customary practices and traditions of the Naga people concerning interaction with birds and animals, while ensuring that genuine wildlife conservation requirements are respected.
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Conservation laws and customary practices should be addressed through proper consultation, awareness, and dialogue rather than through actions that may create unnecessary confrontation between the community and the authorities, it added.
SAPO clarified that it does not oppose wildlife conservation and supports responsible protection of wildlife and the natural environment. However, it stated that conservation cannot become a justification for disproportionate criminalisation where the essential ingredients of a serious wildlife offence have not been established.
The organisation further expressed concern over reports of monetary demands connected with the release of the person concerned. It urged competent authorities to publicly clarify the legal basis, authority, and procedure under which such payment was sought, if such a demand was made, so that there is no room for misunderstanding or allegations of arbitrary action.
Highlighting constitutional protections under Article 371A, SAPO urged authorities to examine whether the present enforcement approach adequately takes into account the constitutional and customary context of Nagaland, rather than mechanically applying provisions in a manner that may criminalise ordinary social or cultural practices. It added that the law must distinguish between wildlife crime and an act arising out of compassion, affection, customary practice, or ordinary human interaction with animals.
If existing legal provisions are found to be inconsistent with the realities of Naga society and customary practices, SAPO called upon the Government of Nagaland to take up the matter with appropriate authorities for necessary review, amendment, clarification, or exemption.