CCYO lifts hunting ban in Centre Chakhesang and declares Wildlife Protection Act non-operative amid dispute with Nagaland Forest department
DIMAPUR — The Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) on Monday announced a non-cooperation movement against the Forest, Environment and Climate Change department, declaring the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 “unacceptable and non-operative” within its jurisdiction and lifting the existing prohibition on hunting.
The measures will take effect from the intervening midnight of October 5 and 6, the organisation stated, after the expiry of its seven-day ultimatum to Nagaland government over the detention of Vezhoto Hesuh and its grievances with the Forest department.
In a statement issued on Monday, the CCYO said the government had failed to meet its demands “in toto” and that it had exhausted reasonable avenues for securing a response.
The organisation announced that hunting prohibition would be lifted across Centre Chakhesang area from midnight, while entry of outsiders, including personnel of government agencies, into Centre Chakhesang villages would remain prohibited until further notice.
Related: Thousands rally in Pfutsero as CCYO gives govt 7-day ultimatum over Hesuh case
“Trespassers will be at their own risk,” the statement read.
The CCYO also said its existing prohibition on photography and videography within its jurisdiction would remain in force.
The organisation invoked Article 371A of the Constitution, arguing that the provision protects the distinctive identity, customary laws, social practices, traditional institutions and land and its resources of the Naga people.
It asserted that traditional practices and customary institutions could not be disregarded in the course of departmental enforcement, particularly in matters concerning forests and wildlife.
The youth body accused the government of failing to adequately recognise the constitutional safeguards guaranteed to the Naga people and said Article 371A should be reflected in administrative practice rather than remain a “ceremonial constitutional provision”.
“The CCYO reiterates that our stand arises from the continued failure of the government to address the grievances surrounding the detention of Mr. Vezhoto Hesuh, as well as the broader issue of the treatment of Naga customary practices by the Forest department,” it stated.