Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Great Barbet Released in Nagaland After Youth Organisation Protest
A Great Barbet is a bird that was taken from a young man in Nagaland.
The man, Vezhoto Hesuh, had reportedly cared for it for six or seven years.
A local youth group called the Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation protested after the bird was seized.
The group also objected to a case involving Hesuh.
Forest officials later gave the bird to the youth organisation.
An official then released the bird into Porbami Reserved Forest.
The youth organisation was happy that the bird was returned to nature.
However, it still wants the case withdrawn and an investigation into an alleged demand for Rs 1 lakh.
A Great Barbet seized from Vezhoto Hesuh in Porba village was released into Porbami Reserved Forest.
The release followed a Monday protest by the Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation over the seizure and a case against Hesuh.
The CCYO said Hesuh had reared the bird for six to seven years and that its seizure distressed him and concerned villagers.
Forest Department officials handed the bird to the CCYO before Additional Deputy Commissioner Mhalo Humtsoe released it.
The CCYO welcomed the release but continues to seek withdrawal of the case and an inquiry into an alleged demand for Rs 1 lakh.
- Who
- Vezhoto Hesuh, the Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation, and Forest Department officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioner Mhalo Humtsoe.
- What
- A seized Great Barbet was released into Porbami Reserved Forest, while the CCYO continued to demand withdrawal of a case against Hesuh and an inquiry into an alleged Rs 1 lakh demand.
- When
- The bird was seized earlier in September; Hesuh was summoned on September 11, the protest occurred on Monday, and the release occurred on Tuesday, September 30.
- Where
- Porba village and Porbami Reserved Forest in Nagaland’s Pfutsero subdivision.
- Why
- The protest followed the bird’s seizure and the case against Hesuh; the CCYO said he had reared the bird for six to seven years.
Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation
Wildlife and Forest Authorities
Seizure and custody
Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation
The CCYO said Hesuh had reared the Great Barbet for six to seven years and that its seizure caused distress and concern among villagers.
Wildlife and Forest Authorities
The Wildlife Crime Control Unit of the Wildlife Division, Dimapur, summoned Hesuh over social-media posts, and Forest Department officials later transferred the bird for release into a reserved forest.
Case against Hesuh
Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation
The CCYO wants the case against Hesuh withdrawn and says it was initiated after he allegedly refused to pay Rs 1 lakh.
Wildlife and Forest Authorities
The authorities’ reported actions included summoning Hesuh and initiating a case, but the article does not provide their response to the CCYO’s allegations.
Next steps
Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation
The CCYO said it would meet the Forest Department’s principal secretary to discuss the unresolved demands.
Wildlife and Forest Authorities
The bird has been released into Porbami Reserved Forest; no further official position on the case or alleged payment demand was reported.
- Bird
- Great Barbet
- Location
- Porba village, Nagaland
- Release site
- Porbami Reserved Forest
- Seizure timing
- Earlier in September
- Summons date
- September 11
- Protest organiser
- Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation
- Pending demands
- Withdrawal of the case against Hesuh and an inquiry into an alleged demand for Rs 1 lakh