1 day ago
Nagaland Youths Protest Wildlife Case, Demand Bird’s Return
Thousands of young people in Nagaland held a protest about a wildlife case.
They said a young man named Vezhoto Hesuh was questioned because of pictures and videos on social media.
The posts showed a monkey, a caged bird and Hesuh with a bird on his shoulder.
The youth organisation said Hesuh did not own or control the animals and did not hurt them.
It also said forest officials took a Great Barbet from a village.
The organisation said a child had cared for the bird for six or seven years.
It asked officials to return the bird and cancel the case.
It also alleged that someone demanded Rs 1 lakh to release Hesuh.
The government was given seven days to respond, while the report did not include a detailed response from wildlife authorities.
Thousands of Chakhesang youths demonstrated in Phek district on Monday over a wildlife case involving Vezhoto Hesuh.
The Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation demanded withdrawal of the case and the return of a seized Great Barbet.
The organisation said Hesuh was summoned over social media posts showing a monkey and birds.
It alleged that Rs 1 lakh was demanded for Hesuh’s release after he refused to pay.
The group gave the government seven days to act and sought an independent inquiry into the alleged payment demand.
- Who
- The Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation and thousands of Chakhesang youths; the case concerns Vezhoto Hesuh.
- What
- A demonstration demanding withdrawal of a wildlife case, return of a seized Great Barbet and an inquiry into an alleged Rs 1 lakh payment demand.
- Where
- The demonstration took place in Phek district, beginning at Rukizu Junction and ending at the Office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner in Pfutsero.
- When
- The rally was held on Monday, September 28; Hesuh was summoned on September 11 and the bird was seized on September 14.
- Why
- The organisation objected to the wildlife case, the bird’s seizure and what it described as insufficient consideration of traditional practices, community sentiment and Article 371A safeguards.
Youth Organisation’s Claims
Reported Official Position
Wildlife case against Hesuh
Youth Organisation’s Claims
The CCYO said the social media posts did not show cruelty, killing, capture or deliberate harm, and that Hesuh did not own or control the animals shown.
Reported Official Position
The Wildlife Crime Control Unit of the Wildlife Division, Dimapur, summoned Hesuh over the posts; the report does not provide the unit’s detailed explanation or response.
Alleged payment demand
Youth Organisation’s Claims
The CCYO alleged that Rs 1 lakh was demanded for Hesuh’s release and that the case began after he refused to pay.
Reported Official Position
The report does not include a response from the wildlife authorities to this allegation.
Great Barbet seizure
Youth Organisation’s Claims
The CCYO said the bird had been reared by a young boy for six to seven years and demanded its return, citing distress and community concerns.
Reported Official Position
Forest authorities seized the bird from Porba village, but the report does not state their reasons or provide their response to the demand.
Key facts
- Organiser
- Central Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO)
- Location
- Phek district, Nagaland
- Person involved
- Vezhoto Hesuh
- Bird seized
- A Great Barbet from Porba village
- Alleged payment demand
- Rs 1 lakh, according to the CCYO
- Government deadline
- Seven days to withdraw the case, return the bird and order an inquiry
- Memorandum
- Submitted to the Additional Deputy Commissioner for forwarding to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio
Sources
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