Thousands rally in Pfutsero as CCYO gives Nagaland government seven days to act on demands over Vezhoto Hesuh’s case
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PFUTSERO — Thousands rallied in Pfutsero on Monday in support of Vezhoto Hesuh, as the Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) submitted a seven-day ultimatum to Nagaland government seeking withdrawal of the case against him and an inquiry into an alleged INR 1 lakh demand for his release.
The rally began at Rukizu colony junction and proceeded to the office of the additional deputy commissioner (ADC), Pfutsero, where ADC Mhalo Humtsoe received the memorandum addressed to the chief minister.
Led by CCYO president Dode Nakro, the rally was addressed by Chakhesang Public Organisation president Pupohu Lohe, former Chakhesang Students’ Union president and former Chakhesang Youth Organisation Kohima president Vevoyi W D Vadeo, and Porba Village Council chairman Ciekrohu Chiero.
In the memorandum, the CCYO described the action taken against Hesuh by the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department as “arbitrary, high-handed and disproportionate”.
According to the organisation, Hesuh was telephonically summoned to appear before the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU), Wildlife Division, Dimapur, on September 11 over photographs and videos uploaded on his Facebook page and was subsequently detained.
Also read: Nagaland: Chakhesang organisation demands probe over alleged detention, INR 1 lakh demand
The posts, the CCYO stated, included a video showing Hesuh offering a sweet to a monkey in Assam, a video of a caged bird reportedly traditionally reared at Porba village, and a photograph of Hesuh with a bird perched on his shoulder.
The organisation maintained that the animals were neither owned by nor under Hesuh’s custody and claimed that the posts did not depict cruelty, killing, capture or deliberate harm.
It further alleged that INR 1 lakh was demanded for Hesuh’s release and that a case was initiated after he refused to pay the alleged amount. The CCYO has sought an independent inquiry into the allegation and action against anyone found responsible.
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The organisation also raised the September 14 seizure of a Great Barbet from Porba village, claiming that the bird had been reared by a young boy there for around six to seven years. It stated that the seizure had caused distress to the child and concern among villagers.
The CCYO argued that the matter should also be viewed in the context of the traditional relationship between local communities and the natural environment, rather than solely as an enforcement issue.
It also invoked Article 371A of the Constitution, arguing that its safeguards should be considered in matters involving customary practices, customary laws and procedures and other constitutionally protected areas.
The organisation cited the Supreme Court's December 16, 2025 judgment in North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. v. M/s L. Doulo Builders & Suppliers Co. Pvt. Ltd. in support of its position on the application of central legislation within the constitutional framework.
Its demands include withdrawal of the case against Hesuh, return of the seized Great Barbet after considering the circumstances in which it was reared, and an independent inquiry into the alleged INR 1 lakh demand.
The CCYO has given the government seven days from receipt of the memorandum to take satisfactory action, failing which it said it would pursue further courses of action.
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