CCYO Gives Nagaland Government 7 Day Ultimatum Over Vezhoto Hesuh Case

The Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) on Monday held a rally in Pfutsero and submitted a memorandum to the Nagaland Government, giving it a seven day ultimatum to address its demands concerning the case involving Vezhoto Hesuh and the seizure of a Great Barbet from Porba village.

The rally, which drew thousands of participants according to local reports, began at Rukizu Colony Junction and proceeded to the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Pfutsero. The memorandum addressed to Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio was received by ADC Mhalo Humtsoe.

CCYO seeks withdrawal of case against Hesuh

In its memorandum, the CCYO demanded the immediate withdrawal of the case against Hesuh, who was detained earlier this month in connection with photographs and videos posted on social media involving wildlife.

According to the organization, Hesuh was summoned by the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU), Wildlife Division, Dimapur, on September 11. CCYO stated that the social media posts included a video of Hesuh offering a sweet to a monkey in Assam, a video showing a caged bird reportedly reared traditionally in Porba village, and a photograph of Hesuh with a bird on his shoulder.

The organization argued that the posts did not show cruelty, killing, capture or deliberate harm and described the action taken against Hesuh as arbitrary and disproportionate. These are the organisation’s claims and have not been independently established.

Hesuh was subsequently granted bail, while different Chakhesang organizations have called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his detention. Also Read Nagaland Police Continue Search for Robert Kikon, Believed to Be in Southeast Asia

Alleged ₹1 lakh demand raised

A major point raised by the CCYO is an allegation that ₹1 lakh was demanded for Hesuh’s release.

The organization has called for an independent and impartial inquiry into the allegation, including identification of the officials allegedly involved and appropriate action if wrongdoing is established.

The allegation has previously been raised by Hesuh’s family and other Chakhesang organizations, but it has not been independently established.

Demand for return of seized Great Barbet

The CCYO also demanded the return of a Great Barbet seized from Porba village on September 14.

According to the organization, the bird had been traditionally reared by a young boy in the village for around six to seven years. CCYO said the seizure had caused distress to the child and concern among the wider village community.

The organization has asked authorities to consider the circumstances in which the bird was traditionally reared and the sentiments of the family and community before deciding on its return.

The issue has become part of a broader discussion in Nagaland over wildlife protection laws, enforcement procedures and traditional community practices. A recent analysis published in The Morung Express also noted the ongoing debate surrounding the Wildlife (Protection) Act and Article 371A in the context of the Hesuh case.

CCYO invokes Article 371A

In its memorandum, the CCYO also referred to Article 371A of the Constitution, arguing that constitutional safeguards concerning customary practices, customary laws and procedures should be considered in matters involving local traditions.

The organisation has maintained that the issue should not be viewed only from the perspective of wildlife enforcement but also in the context of longstanding community practices.

At the same time, wildlife protection laws remain applicable in Nagaland, and the legal status of particular wildlife-related activities is a matter for the competent authorities and courts to determine. Also Read Tuensang Liquor Alert: Nagaland DGP Warns After 9 Deaths Reported

Seven-day deadline

The CCYO has given the Nagaland government seven days from the receipt of its memorandum to take what it considers satisfactory action on its demands.

The organization has stated that if its demands are not addressed within the stipulated period, it will decide on further courses of action.

The latest development comes amid continuing public debate in Nagaland over the Hesuh case, the alleged monetary demand, the seizure of the Great Barbet and the balance between wildlife conservation laws and customary practices.

The Nagaland government and the concerned Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department have yet to publicly indicate how they will respond to the CCYO’s latest seven-day ultimatum.